bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of four global reanalysis products using in situ observations in the Amundsen Sea Embayment, Antarctica
Authors: Jones R. W. , Renfrew I. A. , Orr A. , Webber B. G. M. , Holland D. M. , Lazzara M. A.
Published: May 2016

The glaciers within the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE), West Antarctica, are amongst the most rapidly retreating in Antarctica. Meteorological reanalysis products are widely used to help understand and simulate the processes causing this retreat. Here we provide an evaluation against observations of four of the latest global reanalysis products within the ASE region—the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Interim Reanalysis (ERA‐I), Japanese 55‐year Reanalysis (JRA‐55), Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and Modern Era Retrospective‐Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). The observations comprise data from four automatic weather stations (AWSs), three research vessel cruises, and a new set of 38 radiosondes all within the period 2009–2014. All four reanalyses produce 2 m temperature fields that are colder than AWS observations, with the biases varying from approximately −1.8°C (ERA‐I) to −6.8°C (MERRA). Over the Amundsen Sea, spatially averaged summertime biases are between −0.4°C (JRA‐55) and −2.1°C (MERRA) with notably larger cold biases close to the continent (up to −6°C) in all reanalyses. All four reanalyses underestimate near‐surface wind speed at high wind speeds (>15 m s−1) and exhibit dry biases and relatively large root‐mean‐square errors (RMSE) in specific humidity. A comparison to the radiosonde soundings shows that the cold, dry bias at the surface extends into the lower troposphere; here ERA‐I and CFSR reanalyses provide the most accurate profiles. The reanalyses generally contain larger temperature and humidity biases, (and RMSE) when a temperature inversion is observed, and contain larger wind speed biases (~2 to 3 m s−1), when a low‐level jet is observed.
Water and sanitation service delivery, pricing, and the poor: An empirical estimate of subsidy incidence in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Fuente David , Gakii Gatua Josephine , Ikiara Moses , Kabubo‐Mariara Jane , Mwaura Mbutu , Whittington Dale
Published: May 2016

The increasing block tariff (IBT) is among the most widely used tariffs by water utilities, particularly in developing countries. This is due in part to the perception that the IBT can effectively target subsidies to low‐income households. Combining data on households' socioeconomic status and metered water use, this paper examines the distributional incidence of subsidies delivered through the IBT in Nairobi, Kenya. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find that high‐income residential and nonresidential customers receive a disproportionate share of subsidies and that subsidy targeting is poor even among households with a private metered connection. We also find that stated expenditure on water, a commonly used means of estimating water use, is a poor proxy for metered use and that previous studies on subsidy incidence underestimate the magnitude of the subsidy delivered through water tariffs. These findings have implications for both the design and evaluation of water tariffs in developing countries.
Temporal nutrient dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea in response to anthropogenic inputs
Authors: Moon Ji‐Young , Lee Kitack , Tanhua Toste , Kress Nurit , Kim Il‐Nam
Published: May 2016

The temporal dynamics of the concentrations of nitrate (N), phosphate (P), and the N:P ratio in the upper water column (200–600 m) of the Mediterranean (MED) Sea were investigated using observational data (~123,100 data points) collected between 1985 and 2014. The studied variables were found to evolve similarly in the western and eastern MED Sea. In both basins, the N concentration increased during the first part of the observational period (1985–1998), and the temporal trend of N was broadly consistent with the history of riverine and atmospheric nitrogen input from populated areas in Europe, with a lag period of 20 years. In subsequent years, the N concentration was high and relatively constant between 1998 and 2005, after which N decreased gradually, although the decreasing trend was indistinct in the western basin. In particular, the trend of constant then declining N after 1998 is consistent with the history of pollutant nitrogen emissions from the European continent, allowing a 20 year lag following the introduction of regulation of pollutant nitrogen in the 1970s. The three‐phase temporal transition in P in both basins was more consistent with the riverine phosphorus input, with a lag period of 20 years. Our analysis indicates that the recent dynamics of N and P in the upper MED Sea has been sensitive to the dynamics of anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus input from atmospheric deposition and rivers.
Seasonal and regional variations in extreme precipitation event frequency using CMIP5
Authors: Janssen E. , Sriver R. L. , Wuebbles D. J. , Kunkel K. E.
Published: May 2016

Understanding how the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events are changing is important for regional risk assessments and adaptation planning. Here we use observational data and an ensemble of climate change model experiments (from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5)) to examine past and potential future seasonal changes in extreme precipitation event frequency over the United States. Using the extreme precipitation index as a metric for extreme precipitation change, we find key differences between models and observations. In particular, the CMIP5 models tend to overestimate the number of spring events and underestimate the number of summer events. This seasonal shift in the models is amplified in projections. These results provide a basis for evaluating climate model skill in simulating observed seasonality and changes in regional extreme precipitation. Additionally, we highlight key sources of variability and uncertainty that can potentially inform regional impact analyses and adaptation planning.
Synergistic Catalysis: Enantioselective Ring Expansion of Vinyl Cyclopropanes Combining Four Catalytic Cycles for the Synthesis of Highly Substituted Spirocyclopentanes Bearing up to Four Stereocenters
Authors: Meazza Marta , Rios Ramon
Published: May 2016

A double synergistic cascade reaction is reported, combining transition metal and amine catalysis. The reaction between vinyl cyclopropanes and enals renders the final cyclopentane derivatives in excellent yields and stereoselectivities.
Effects of pectin on fermentation characteristics, carbohydrate utilization, and microbial community composition in the gastrointestinal tract of weaning pigs
Authors: Tian Lingmin , Bruggeman Geert , van den Berg Marco , Borewicz Klaudyna , Scheurink Anton J.W. , Bruininx Erik , de Vos Paul , Smidt Hauke , Schols Henk A. , Gruppen Harry
Published: May 2016

Scope

We aimed to investigate the effects of three different soluble pectins on the digestion of other consumed carbohydrates, and the consequent alterations of microbiota composition and SCFA levels in the intestine of pigs.

Methods and results

Piglets were fed a low‐methyl esterified pectin enriched diet (LMP), a high‐methyl esterified pectin enriched diet (HMP), a hydrothermal treated soybean meal enriched diet (aSBM) or a control diet (CONT). LMP significantly decreased the ileal digestibility of starch resulting in more starch fermentation in the proximal colon. In the ileum, low‐methyl esterified pectin present was more efficiently fermented by the microbiota than high‐methyl esterified pectin present which was mainly fermented by the microbiota in the proximal colon. Treated soybean meal was mainly fermented in the proximal colon and shifted the fermentation of cereal dietary fiber to more distal parts, resulting in high SCFA levels in the mid colon. LMP, HMP, and aSBM decreased the relative abundance of the genus Lactobacillus and increased that of Prevotella in the colon.

Conclusion

The LMP, HMP, and aSBM, differently affected the digestion processes compared to the control diet and shaped the colonic microbiota from a Lactobacillus‐dominating flora to a Prevotella‐dominating community, with potential health‐promoting effects.
Conformal higher‐order remeshing schemes for implicitly defined interface problems
Authors: Omerović Samir , Fries Thomas‐Peter
Published: May 2016

A new higher‐order accurate method is proposed that combines the advantages of the classical p‐version of the FEM on body‐fitted meshes with embedded domain methods. A background mesh composed by higher‐order Lagrange elements is used. Boundaries and interfaces are described implicitly by the level set method and are within elements. In the elements cut by the boundaries or interfaces, an automatic decomposition into higher‐order accurate sub‐elements is realized. Therefore, the zero level sets are detected and meshed in a first step, which is called reconstruction. Then, based on the topological situation in the cut element, higher‐order sub‐elements are mapped to the two sides of the boundary or interface. The quality of the reconstruction and the mapping largely determines the properties of the resulting, automatically generated conforming mesh. It is found that optimal convergence rates are possible although the resulting sub‐elements are not always well‐shaped. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring Nonprofit Executive Turnover
Authors: Stewart Amanda J.
Published: May 2016

Projections of executive turnover loom over the three sectors with aging baby boomers filling many executive‐level positions, and research into causes, outcomes, and processes of turnover are timely inquiries. Yet, scholarly attention into nonprofit executive turnover has been limited to date and has not sufficiently examined actual turnover events. To help address this gap, forty nonprofit organizations that had recently experienced executive turnover were selected from a national random sample, and the current executives participated in an interview. This qualitative data was analyzed to identify factors and dynamics that define nonprofit executive turnover. These findings both confirm practical knowledge and offer new insights relevant to future research and practitioners alike.
Can Social–Emotional Learning Reduce School Dropout in Developing Countries?
Authors: Wang Huan , Chu James , Loyalka Prashant , Xin Tao , Shi Yaojiang , Qu Qinghe , Yang Chu
Published: May 2016

An alarming number of students drop out of junior high school in developing countries. In this study, we examine the impacts of providing a social–emotional learning (SEL) program on the dropout behavior and learning anxiety of students in the first two years of junior high. We do so by analyzing data from a randomized controlled trial involving 70 junior high schools and 7,495 students in rural China. After eight months, the SEL program reduces dropout by 1.6 percentage points and decreases learning anxiety by 2.3 percentage points. Effects are no longer statistically different from zero after 15 months, perhaps due to decreasing student interest in the program. However, we do find that the program reduces dropout among students at high risk of dropping out (older students and students with friends who have already dropped out), both after eight and 15 months of exposure to the SEL program.
Coombs Positive Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Male Pediatric Patient: An Urgent Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Zenno Anna , Richardson Matthew
Published: May 2016

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy often caused by deficiency of von Willebrand (vW) factor cleaving protease, ADAMTS‐13, leading to large vW multimers and intravascular platelet aggregation. Hemolysis in TTP is mechanical and nonimmune mediated, thus Coombs testing is usually negative. We report a case of an adolescent with thrombocytopenia and Coombs positive anemia, diagnosed with Evans syndrome, but ultimately found to have TTP. TTP should be considered in children with thrombocytopenia and Coombs positive anemia who are refractory to steroids or develop signs of microangiopathy.  Recognition of this presentation can lead to life‐saving treatment with plasma exchange.
Early Discharge of Neutropenic Pediatric Oncology Patients Admitted With Fever
Authors: Villanueva Melanie A. , August Keith J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Fever and neutropenia (FN) is a common complication of pediatric oncology therapy and accounts for a large number of hospital admissions. Standard therapy for FN includes hospital admission and empiric antibiotics. Strict adherence to this practice leads to prolonged hospitalizations that may be unnecessary for patients at low risk of having an underlying significant infection.

Procedure

Children admitted with FN could be discharged after a minimum of 48 hr with no further antibiotic therapy once they had been afebrile for 24 hr with negative blood cultures from initial presentation, regardless of their neutrophil count. We performed a retrospective review with regard to readmissions and subsequent documented infections in FN patients discharged with an ANC of ≤500 cells/mm3.

Results

There were 299 FN admissions in 188 patients who were discharged prior to achieving an ANC of ≥500 cells/mm3. Readmission to the hospital during the same period of neutropenia occurred in 50 cases (16.7%) with 27 infections diagnosed in 21 patients. Patients discharged with an ANC of ≤100 cells/mm3 (odds ratio 3.7) and patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (odds ratio 2.6) were more likely to be readmitted for fever. All patients that developed a significant infection had an ANC of ≤100 cells/mm3 at admission and discharge. In patients that developed a significant infection, only one required admission to the intensive care unit with no deaths.

Conclusions

The practice of discharging patients with persistent neutropenia who are afebrile with negative blood cultures produces acceptable rates of readmission and subsequent infection and does not lead to increased morbidity and mortality.
The expanding field of cooperative initiatives for decarbonization: a review of five databases
Authors: Widerberg Oscar , Stripple Johannes
Published: May 2016

Climate governance beyond the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—including countries, companies, civil society, and international organizations, forming cooperative initiatives—is increasingly framed as complementing, supporting, and even substituting the multilateral negotiations. Cooperative initiatives activating nonstate actors could help bridging the ‘ambition gap’ between governmental greenhouse gas mitigation pledges and the decarbonization pathway needed to halt global warming at 2°C. But what do we know about the performance of cooperative initiatives and their participants? We examine the content of five databases aiming to capture the emerging field of cooperative initiatives and assess whether it is possible to measure the performance of cooperative initiatives based on current data. Overall, we find a substantial lack of ex post data for measuring performance. Available studies either focus on nonemission‐related qualitative variables and characteristics of cooperative initiatives such as governance function, participants composition, and thematic areas, or use quantitative modeling approaches to estimate their potential impact. Consequently, we currently lack information to assess how existing initiatives perform in relation to the socio‐technical systems they are intended to intervene in, or how initiatives align, scale‐up, and form low‐carbon pathways. Given the increasingly important role and legitimacy attributed to cooperative initiatives in addressing climate change, we argue that focusing more on gathering ex post data, improving exchange between academic and policy‐oriented work, and developing assessment methods accommodating diversity in terms of function, goal, and output, are needed to understand the performance of climate governance beyond the UNFCCC. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:486–500. doi: 10.1002/wcc.396

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Effect of long-term ingestion of weakly oxidised flaxseed oil on biomarkers of oxidative stress in LDL-receptor knockout mice
Authors: Nogueira M. S. , Kessuane M. C. , Lobo Ladd A. A. B. , Lobo Ladd F. V. , Cogliati B. , Castro I. A.
Published: May 2016

The effect of oxidised fatty acids on atherosclerosis progression is controversial. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of long-term consumption of weakly oxidised PUFA from flaxseed oil on oxidative stress biomarkers of LDL-receptor(−/−)mice. To test our hypothesis, mice were separated into three groups. The first group received a high-fat diet containing fresh flaxseed oil (CONT−), the second was fed the same diet prepared using heated flaxseed oil (OXID), and the third group received the same diet containing fresh flaxseed oil and had diabetes induced by streptozotocin (CONT+). Oxidative stress, aortic parameters and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were assessed. After 3 months, plasma lipid profile, glucose levels, body weight, energy intake and dietary intake did not differ among groups. Likewise, oxidative stress, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic MDA expressed as nmol/mg portion (ptn) and antioxidant enzymes did not differ among the groups. Hepatic linoleic acid,α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and EPA acid declined in the OXID and CONT+ groups. Aortic wall thickness, lumen and diameter increased only in the OXID group. OXID and CONT+ groups exhibited higher concentrations of MDA, expressed as μmol/mg ptn per %PUFA, when compared with the CONT− group. Our results suggest that ingestion of oxidised flaxseed oil increases hepatic MDA concentration and is potentially pro-atherogenic. In addition, the mean MDA value observed in all groups was similar to those reported in other studies that used xenobiotics as oxidative stress inducers. Thus, the diet applied in this study represents an interesting model for further research involving antioxidants.
Charitable organisations, the Great Recession and the Age of Austerity: Longitudinal Evidence for England and Wales
Authors: CLIFFORD DAVID
Published: May 2016

There has been extensive concern about the effect of recession and of subsequent public spending austerity on the voluntary sector – but a lack of comprehensive sector-wide data to examine this empirically. We construct a unique longitudinal dataset, which follows through time the population of charitable organisations in England and Wales since 1999, and assess the impact of recession and austerity by placing organisations’ recent annual income within the context of longer-term trends. The results reveal the scale of the impact on charities’ incomes for the first time: since 2008 median real annual growth in income has been negative for six consecutive years, leading to sizeable cumulative real income decline over the period. Mid-sized charities, and those in more deprived local areas, have been most significantly affected, consistent with concerns about a ‘hollowing out’ of the charitable sector and about the uneven impact of austerity. However, there has also been considerable variation in the fortunes of charities working in different fields of activity. The analysis in this paper helps to widen our perspective on the implications of the Great Recession and of public spending austerity for social policy.
Effect of organic matter on the Rietveld quantitative analysis of crystalline minerals in coal gangue
Authors: Yan Kezhou , Guo Yanxia , Wu Xiaoxiao , Cheng Fangqin
Published: May 2016

The Rietveld method based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology has been commonly applied for the quantitative analysis of crystalline minerals in organic-rich rocks. The presence of organic matter, however, has interference in varying degree to the quantitative result. In this work, the mixed samples of organic matter and crystalline minerals at given proportions were prepared to investigate the effect of organic matter on the Rietveld quantitative analysis of crystalline minerals in coal gangue. The relative standard deviation (RSD) and absolute error (AE) were used to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the quantitative result. The results showed that the presence of organic matter led to a reduction in the precision and accuracy. It was attributed in part to the presence of organic matter, which can produce a background noise in the XRD pattern, especially in the region of 5–30° (2θ). Further results showed that the interference in this region increased with the increase in the organic matter content. The RSD and AE were within the range of 10% and 2%, respectively, when the organic matter content is <30 wt%. Based on this, an approximate method for the Rietveld quantitative analysis of crystalline minerals in coal gangue was established.
Pupil dilation is sensitive to the cognate status of words: further evidence for non-selectivity in bilingual lexical access
Authors: GUASCH MARC , FERRÉ PILAR , HARO JUAN
Published: May 2016

The cognate facilitation effect (i.e., a processing advantage for cognates compared to non-cognates) is an evidence of language non-selectivity in bilingual lexical access. Several studies using behavioral or electrophysiological measures have demonstrated that this effect is modulated by the degree of formal overlap between translations. However, it has never been tested with a psychophysiological measure such as pupillometry. In the present study we replicate the cognate facilitation effect by examining reaction times and pupil responses. Our results endorse pupillometry as a promising tool for bilingual research, and confirm the modulation of the cognate effect by the degree of formal similarity.
The effect of zinc supplementation on body composition and hormone levels related to adiposity among children: a systematic review
Authors: Gunanti Inong R , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Schubert Lisa , Long Kurt Z
Published: May 2016

Objective

To provide a comprehensive synthesis of the effects of Zn supplementation on childhood body composition and adiposity-related hormone levels.

Design

Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of Zn supplementation studies published before 28 February 2015. No statistical pooling of results was carried out due to diversity in study designs.

Setting

Community- or hospital-based, from fourteen developing and developed countries.

Subjects

Children and adolescents aged 0 to 10 years.

Results

Seven of the fourteen studies reported an overall or subgroup effect of Zn supplementation on at least one parameter of body composition, when determined by anthropometric measurements (increased mid upper-arm circumference, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold and mid upper-arm muscle area, and decreased BMI). Three out of the fourteen studies reported increased mean value of total body water estimated by bio-impedance analysis and increased fat-free mass estimated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and by total body water. Zn supplementation was associated with increased fat-free mass among stunted children. One study found supplementation decreased leptin and insulin concentrations.

Conclusions

Due to the use of anthropometry when determining body composition, a majority of the studies could not accurately address whether alterations in the fat and/or fat-free mass components of the body were responsible for the observed changes in body composition. The effect of Zn supplementation on body composition is not consistent but may modify fat-free mass among children with pre-existing growth failure.
Archaeology and the nation state. The case of eastern Europe
Authors: Diachenko Aleksandr
Published: May 2016

This paper discusses state influences on archaeology in eastern Europe (as geographically defined by the United Nations Statistics Division). In this respect, the following issues are considered: the current situation of a nation state, the links between archaeology and nation states in eastern Europe and the factors influencing the future potential increase of nationalism in the discipline.
Grounded objects. Archaeology and speculative realism
Authors: Edgeworth Matt
Published: May 2016

The philosophical movement known as speculative realism (SR) has much in common with archaeology. As well as a shared concern with objects and with time, both have orientations towards an external reality that exists (or existed) outside the domain of human knowledge. This paper explores overlaps and commonalities in these two very different types of investigation. Proceeding from an archaeological perspective, it critically assesses the relevance of some of the key ideas of SR for archaeology, while also looking at ways in which these can be challenged, honed, adapted and transformed through encounters with archaeological objects. It asks the question, what can archaeology usefully contribute to the SR project?
Factor endowments, the rule of law and structural inequality
Authors: BENNETT DANIEL L. , NIKOLAEV BORIS
Published: May 2016

This paper provides an empirical test of the Engerman–Sokoloff hypothesis that factor endowments influenced the development of the rule of law, which in turn has perpetuated income inequality. Using a measure of the suitability of land for growing wheat relative to sugarcane as an instrument for the rule of law, as measured by area 2 of the Economic Freedom of the World index, we estimate the potential causal impact of the rule of law on the long-run net income inequality. Conditioning on geography, ethnolinguistic fractionalization and legal tradition, the rule of law exerts a negative impact on inequality that is both economically and statistically significant. The results are robust to additional control variables, two alternative measures of the rule of law, an alternative instrumental variable and the exclusion of strategic country samples and outliers.
Vascular control of the Drosophila haematopoietic microenvironment by Slit/Robo signalling
Authors: Morin-Poulard Ismaël , Sharma Anurag , Louradour Isabelle , Vanzo Nathalie , Vincent Alain , Crozatier Michèle
Published: May 2016

Self-renewal and differentiation of mammalian haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are controlled by a specialized microenvironment called ‘the niche’. In the bone marrow, HSCs receive signals from both the endosteal and vascular niches. The posterior signalling centre (PSC) of the larval Drosophila haematopoietic organ, the lymph gland, regulates blood cell differentiation under normal conditions and also plays a key role in controlling haematopoiesis under immune challenge. Here we report that the Drosophila vascular system also contributes to the lymph gland homoeostasis. Vascular cells produce Slit that activates Robo receptors in the PSC. Robo activation controls proliferation and clustering of PSC cells by regulating Myc, and small GTPase and DE-cadherin activity, respectively. These findings reveal that signals from the vascular system contribute to regulating the rate of blood cell differentiation via the regulation of PSC morphology.
Bioactivity of 2′-deoxyinosine-incorporated aptamer AS1411
Authors: Fan Xinmeng , Sun Lidan , Wu Yun , Zhang Lihe , Yang Zhenjun
Published: May 2016

Aptamers can be chemically modified to enhance nuclease resistance and increase target affinity. In this study, we performed chemical modification of 2′-deoxyinosine in AS1411, an anti-proliferative G-rich oligodeoxynucleotide aptamer, which binds selectively to the nucleolin protein. Its function was augmented when 2′-deoxyinosine was incorporated at positions 12, 13, 15, and 24 of AS1411, respectively. In addition, double incorporation of 2′-deoxyinosine at positions 12 and 24 (FAN-1224dI), 13 and 24 (FAN-1324dI), and 15 and 24 (FAN-1524dI) promoted G-quartet formation, as well as inhibition of DNA replication and tumor cell growth, and induced S-phase cell cycle arrest. In further animal experiments, FAN-1224dI, FAN-1324dI and FAN-1524dI resulted in enhanced treatment effects than AS1411 alone. These results suggested that the position and number of modification substituents in AS1411 are critical parameters to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic function of the aptamer. Structural investigations of the FAN-1524dI/nucleolin complex structure, using molecular dynamics simulation, revealed the critical interactions involving nucleolin and 2′-dI incorporated AS1411 compared with AS1411 alone. These findings augment understanding of the role of 2′-deoxyinosine moieties in interactive binding processes.
The burden of COPD mortality due to ambient air pollution in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Li , Yang Jun , Song Yun-Feng , Chen Ping-Yan , Ou Chun-Quan
Published: May 2016

Few studies have investigated the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality fraction attributable to air pollution and modification by individual characteristics of air pollution effects. We applied distributed lag non-linear models to assess the associations between air pollution and COPD mortality in 2007–2011 in Guangzhou, China and the total COPD mortality fraction attributable to air pollution was calculated as well. We found that an increase of 10 μg/m3 in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was associated with a 1.58% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12–3.06%), 3.45% (95% CI: 1.30–5.66%) and 2.35% (95% CI: 0.42–4.32%) increase of COPD mortality over a lag of 0–15 days, respectively. Greater air pollution effects were observed in the elderly, males and residents with low educational attainment. The results showed 10.91% (95% CI: 1.02–9.58%), 12.71% (95% CI: 5.03–19.85%) and 13.38% (95% CI: 2.67–22.84%) COPD mortality was attributable to current PM10, SO2 and NO2 exposure, respectively. In conclusion, the associations between air pollution and COPD mortality differed by individual characteristics. There were remarkable COPD mortality burdens attributable to air pollution in Guangzhou.
Evolving Trends in Female to Male Incidence and Male Mortality of Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Lleo Ana , Jepsen Peter , Morenghi Emanuela , Carbone Marco , Moroni Luca , Battezzati Pier Maria , Podda Mauro , Mackay Ian R. , Gershwin M. Eric , Invernizzi Pietro
Published: May 2016

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been regarded as female-predominant without evidence of gender difference in survival. We aimed to compare the overall survival, incidence and prevalence of PBC in two well defined population-based studies over a recent decade, considering also sex ratios and mortality. We have taken advantage of population-wide records, during 2000–2009, in Lombardia, Northern Italy and Denmark. We focused on the incident cases of PBC, including gender and outcome, among 9.7 million inhabitants of Lombardia and 5.5 million of Denmark. In Lombardia there were 2,970 PBC cases with a female:male ratio of 2.3:1. The age/sex-adjusted annual incidence of PBC was 16.7 per million. Point prevalence was 160 per million on January 1st 2009. In Denmark there were 722 cases of incident PBC, female:male ratio was 4.2:1 and the annual incidence was 11.4 per million, a point prevalence of 115 per million in 2009. Cox regression multivariate analysis identified male sex as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in both Italian (HR 2.36) and Danish population (HR 3.04). Our data indicate for PBC a sex ratio significantly lower than previously cited, a reversal of the usual latitudinal difference in prevalence and a surprisingly higher overall mortality for male patients.
Endocytosis of indium-tin-oxide nanoparticles by macrophages provokes pyroptosis requiring NLRP3-ASC-Caspase1 axis that can be prevented by mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Naji Abderrahim , Muzembo Basilua André , Yagyu Ken-ichi , Baba Nobuyasu , Deschaseaux Frédéric , Sensebé Luc , Suganuma Narufumi
Published: May 2016

The biological effects of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) are of considerable importance because workers exposed to indium compounds have been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease or pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; however, the pathophysiology of these diseases is undefined. Here, mice intraperitoneally inoculated with ITO-nanoparticles (ITO-NPs) resulted in peritonitis dependent in NLRP3 inflammasome, with neutrophils recruitment and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production. Withal peritoneal macrophages exposed ex vivo to ITO-NPs caused IL-1β secretion and cytolysis. Further, alveolar macrophages exposed to ITO-NPs in vitro showed ITO-NP endocytosis and production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β, ensued cell death by cytolysis. This cell death was RIPK1-independent but caspase1-dependent, and thus identified as pyroptosis. Endocytosis of ITO-NPs by activated THP-1 cells induced pyroptosis with IL-1β/TNF-α production and cytolysis, but not in activated THP-1 cells with knockdown of NLRP3, ASC, or caspase1. However, exposing activated THP-1 cells with NLRP3 or ASC knockdown to ITO-NPs resulted in cell death but without cytolysis, with deficiency in IL-1β/TNF-α, and revealing features of apoptosis. While, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) co-cultured with macrophages impaired both inflammation and cell death induced by ITO-NPs. Together, our findings provide crucial insights to the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases caused by ITO particles, and identify MSCs as a potent therapeutic.
Changes in profile of lipids and adipokines in patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Wu Xiafang , Wu Ruirui , Sun Xiance , Yang Boyi , Wang Yi , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: May 2016

Changes in profile of lipids and adipokines have been reported in patients with thyroid dysfunction. But the evidence is controversial. The present study aimed to explore the relationships between thyroid function and the profile of lipids and adipokines. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 197 newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients, 230 newly diagnosed hyperthyroid patients and 355 control subjects. Hypothyroid patients presented with significantly higher serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), fasting insulin, resistin and leptin than control (p < 0.05). Hyperthyroid patients presented with significantly lower serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDLC and leptin, as well as higher levels of fasting insulin, resistin, adiponectin and homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) than control (p < 0.05). Nonlinear regression and multivariable linear regression models all showed significant associations of resistin or adiponectin with free thyroxine and association of leptin with thyroid-stimulating hormone (p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant correlation between resistin and HOMA-IR was observed in the patients (p < 0.001). Thus, thyroid dysfunction affects the profile of lipids and adipokines. Resistin may serve as a link between thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance.
Structural insight into antibody-mediated antagonism of the Glucagon-like peptide-1 Receptor
Authors: Hennen Stephanie , Kodra János T. , Soroka Vladyslav , Krogh Berit O. , Wu Xiaoai , Kaastrup Peter , Ørskov Cathrine , Rønn Sif G. , Schluckebier Gerd , Barbateskovic Silvia , Gandhi Prafull S. , Reedtz-Runge Steffen
Published: May 2016

The Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a member of the class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and a well-established target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD) of GLP-1R is important for GLP-1 binding and the crystal structure of the GLP-1/ECD complex was reported previously. The first structure of a class B GPCR transmembrane (TM) domain was solved recently, but the full length receptor structure is still not well understood. Here we describe the molecular details of antibody-mediated antagonism of the GLP-1R using both in vitro pharmacology and x-ray crystallography. We showed that the antibody Fab fragment (Fab 3F52) blocked the GLP-1 binding site of the ECD directly and thereby acts as a competitive antagonist of native GLP-1. Interestingly, Fab 3F52 also blocked a short peptide agonist believed to engage primarily the transmembrane and extracellular loop region of GLP-1R, whereas functionality of an allosteric small-molecule agonist was not inhibited. This study has implications for the structural understanding of the GLP-1R and related class B GPCRs, which is important for the development of new and improved therapeutics targeting these receptors.
Transcriptional repression of p27 is essential for murine embryonic development
Authors: Teratake Youichi , Kuga Chisa , Hasegawa Yuta , Sato Yoshiharu , Kitahashi Masayasu , Fujimura Lisa , Watanabe-Takano Haruko , Sakamoto Akemi , Arima Masafumi , Tokuhisa Takeshi , Hatano Masahiko
Published: May 2016

The Nczf gene has been identified as one of Ncx target genes and encodes a novel KRAB zinc-finger protein, which functions as a sequence specific transcriptional repressor. In order to elucidate Nczf functions, we generated Nczf knockout (Nczf−/−) mice. Nczf−/− mice died around embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) with small body size and impairment of axial rotation. Histopathological analysis revealed that the cell number decreased and pyknotic cells were occasionally observed. We examined the expression of cell cycle related genes in Nczf−/− mice. p27 expression was increased in E8.0 Nczf−/− mice compared to that of wild type mice. Nczf knockdown by siRNA resulted in increased expression of p27 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Furthermore, p27 promoter luciferase reporter gene analysis confirmed the regulation of p27 mRNA expression by Nczf. Nczf−/−; p27−/− double knockout mice survived until E11.5 and the defect of axial rotation was restored. These data suggest that p27 repression by Nczf is essential in the developing embryo.
Efficient synthesis of triarylamine-based dyes for p-type dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wild Martin , Griebel Jan , Hajduk Anna , Friedrich Dirk , Stark Annegret , Abel Bernd , Siefermann Katrin R.
Published: May 2016

The class of triarylamine-based dyes has proven great potential as efficient light absorbers in inverse (p-type) dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, detailed investigation and further improvement of p-type DSSCs is strongly hindered by the fact that available synthesis routes of triarylamine-based dyes are inefficient and particularly demanding with regard to time and costs. Here, we report on an efficient synthesis strategy for triarylamine-based dyes for p-type DSSCs. A protocol for the synthesis of the dye-precursor (4-(bis(4-bromophenyl)amino)benzoic acid) is presented along with its X-ray crystal structure. The dye precursor is obtained from the commercially available 4(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde in a yield of 87% and serves as a starting point for the synthesis of various triarylamine-based dyes. Starting from the precursor we further describe a synthesis protocol for the dye 4-{bis[4′-(2,2-dicyanovinyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]amino}benzoic acid (also known as dye P4) in a yield of 74%. All synthesis steps are characterized by high yields and high purities without the need for laborious purification steps and thus fulfill essential requirements for scale-up.
An in vivo invertebrate evaluation system for identifying substances that suppress sucrose-induced postprandial hyperglycemia
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Ishii Masaki , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: May 2016

Sucrose is a major sweetener added to various foods and beverages. Excessive intake of sucrose leads to increases in blood glucose levels, which can result in the development and exacerbation of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In this study, we established an in vivo evaluation system using silkworms to explore substances that suppress the increase in blood glucose levels caused by dietary intake of sucrose. Silkworm hemolymph glucose levels rapidly increased after intake of a sucrose-containing diet. Addition of acarbose or voglibose, α-glycosidase inhibitors clinically used for diabetic patients, suppressed the dietary sucrose-induced increase in the silkworm hemolymph glucose levels. Screening performed using the sucrose-induced postprandial hyperglycemic silkworm model allowed us to identify some lactic acid bacteria that inhibit the increase in silkworm hemolymph glucose levels caused by dietary intake of sucrose. The inhibitory effects of the Lactococcus lactis #Ll-1 bacterial strain were significantly greater than those of different strains of lactic acid bacteria. No effect of the Lactococcus lactis #Ll-1 strain was observed in silkworms fed a glucose diet. These results suggest that the sucrose diet-induced postprandial hyperglycemic silkworm is a useful model for evaluating chemicals and lactic acid bacteria that suppress increases in blood glucose levels.
Diversified pulse generation from frequency shifted feedback Tm-doped fibre lasers
Authors: Chen He , Chen Sheng-Ping , Jiang Zong-Fu , Hou Jing
Published: May 2016

Pulsed fibre lasers operating in the eye-safe 2 μm spectral region have numerous potential applications in areas such as remote sensing, medicine, mid-infrared frequency conversion and free-space communication. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate versatile 2 μm ps-ns pulses generation from Tm-based fibre lasers based on frequency shifted feedback and provide a comprehensive report of their special behaviors. The lasers are featured with elegant construction and the unparalleled capacity of generating versatile pulses. The self-starting mode-locking is initiated by an intra-cavity acousto-optical frequency shifter. Diversified mode-locked pulse dynamics were observed by altering the pump power, intra-cavity polarization state and cavity structure, including as short as 8 ps single pulse sequence, pulse bundle state and up to 12 nJ, 3 ns nanosecond rectangular pulse. A reflective nonlinear optical loop mirror was introduced to successfully shorten the pulses from 24 ps to 8 ps. Beside the mode-locking operation, flexible Q-switching and Q-switched mode-locking operation can also be readily achieved in the same cavity. Up to 78 μJ high energy nanosecond pulse can be generated in this regime. Several intriguing pulse dynamics are characterized and discussed.
Carbon nanodots prepared for cellular imaging and turn-on detection of glutathione
Authors: Kong Depeng , Yan Fanyong , Luo Yunmei , Wang Yinyin , Chen Li , Cui Fenghai
Published: May 2016

Carbon nanodots as fluorescent probes were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method. The carbon nanodots can be used not only for multicolor intracellular imaging but also for highly sensitive and selective turn-on detection of glutathione.
PEG stabilized DNA – poly(ferrocenylsilane) polyplexes for gene delivery
Authors: Zoetebier B. , Sohrabi A. , Lou B. , Hempenius M. A. , Hennink W. E. , Vancso G. J.
Published: May 2016

Polycationic poly(ferrocenylsilane)s (PFS) with tunable amounts of PEG side chains were used for the condensation of DNA into polyplexes of 110 nm in 5.0 mM HEPES.
Investigation of the bipolar effect in the thermoelectric material CaMg2Bi2 using a first-principles study
Authors: Gong J. J. , Hong A. J. , Shuai J. , Li L. , Yan Z. B. , Ren Z. F. , Liu J.-M.
Published: May 2016

An effective carrier concentration neff is proposed to evaluate the bipolar effect, and the results show good consistency with measured data.
Mono- and diiodo-1,2,3-triazoles and their mono nitro derivatives
Authors: Chand Deepak , He Chunlin , Hooper Joseph P. , Mitchell Lauren A. , Parrish Damon A. , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: May 2016

An efficient synthetic route to mono and diiodo-1H-1,2,3-triazoles.
pH-regulated metal–ligand switching in the HM loop of ATP7A: a new paradigm for metal transfer chemistry
Authors: Kline Chelsey D. , Gambill Benjamin F. , Mayfield Mary , Lutsenko Svetlana , Blackburn Ninian J.
Published: May 2016

Cuproproteins such as PHM and DBM mature in late endosomal vesicles of the mammalian secretory pathway where changes in vesicle pH are employed for sorting and post-translational processing.
Controlling nanoflake motion using stiffness gradients on hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Becton Matthew , Wang Xianqiao
Published: May 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the possibility of generating motion from stiffness gradients with no external energy source.
Mechanistic analysis of the photochemical carboxylation of o-alkylphenyl ketones with carbon dioxide
Authors: Su Shih-Hao , Su Ming-Der
Published: May 2016

The mechanisms for photochemical carboxylation reactions are studied theoretically using two model systems: o-methylbenzophenone and o-methylacetophenone, with the M06-L and the 6-311G(d,p) basis set.
High‐resolution multiple‐input–multiple‐output–inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging based on sparse representation
Authors: Yang Jianchao , Su Weimin , Gu Hong
Published: May 2016

In this study, a new method based on sparse representation is proposed for multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) radar imaging combining with inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) technique. After matched filtering and envelope alignment, the MIMO–ISAR cross‐range echo is formulated as a two‐dimensional sparse signal with respect to the spatial and slow‐time domain. A joint self‐calibration and sparse reconstruction algorithm is developed to correct the phase error induced by the target's translational motion and reconstruct the spatial–Doppler scene of the target. Then, the linear relationship between the spatial and Doppler frequencies is utilised to solve the ambiguity of the spatial frequency. Finally, the unambiguous spatial frequency is translated into the cross‐range coordinate of the scatterer. Experimental results show that the proposed method is capable of precisely correcting the phase error and achieving high‐resolution MIMO–ISAR imaging. In addition, the relative rotation angle required for MIMO–ISAR imaging can also be reduced significantly.
Quantum Hamiltonian and dipole moment identification in presence of large control perturbations
Authors: Fu Ying , Turinici Gabriel
Published: May 2016

The problem of recovering the Hamiltonian and dipole moment is considered in a bilinear quantum control framework. The process uses as inputs some measurable quantities (observables) for each admissible control. If the implementation of the control is noisy the data available is only in the form of probability laws of the measured observable. Nevertheless it is proved that the inversion process still has unique solutions (up to phase factors). Both additive and multiplicative noises are considered. Numerical illustrations support the theoretical results.
Super-fast switching of liquid crystals sandwiched between highly conductive graphene oxide/dimethyl sulfate doped PEDOT:PSS composite layers
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Yifan , Oh Byeong-Yun , Seo Dae-Shik , Li Xiangdan
Published: May 2016

Graphene oxide (GO)-doped dimethyl sulfate (DMS)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) superconductive alignment layer, aligning liquid crystals (LCs) with super switching and non-residual direct current (non-residual DC) performance, is presented in this manuscript. Doping of GO increased the pristine polar energy of a thin composite layer as well as the corresponding anchoring energy of the LCs sandwiched between these thin layers but only slightly affected the thin layers' morphology. When rubbed GO/DMS/PEDOT:PSS composite layers were used as alignment layers, a homogeneous alignment of nematic LCs was observed with competitive optoelectrical switching properties and non-residual DC performance because of the enhanced field effect and charge transport induced by the doped GO.