bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to take into account exposure to drugs over time in pharmacoepidemiology studies of pregnant women?
Authors: Hurault‐Delarue Caroline , Chouquet Cécile , Savy Nicolas , Lacroix Isabelle , Beau Anna‐Belle , Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Damase‐Michel Christine
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a new pharmacoepidemiological method to take into account intensity and evolution of drug exposure, applied to pregnant women.

Methods

Pregnant women were classified according to their drug exposure, in three steps:

Conversion of prescription data into exposure variables (using ATC‐DDD)

Construction of individual trajectories of exposure

Clustering of individual trajectories of exposure (using the R package Kml)

We applied this method to psychotropic drugs prescribed during pregnancy. The present study involved women, included in the EFEMERIS database, who gave birth in Haute‐Garonne (France) between 2004 and 2010 (N = 54 918).

Results

Exposure to psychotropic drugs of 3708 pregnant women was studied (6.7%). The pregnant women could be classified into four groups with homogeneous trajectories of exposure: low constant exposure during pregnancy (Cluster A: 70.8% of women); decreasing exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy and low constant exposure thereafter (Cluster B: 19.6%); moderate constant exposure (Cluster C: 8.2%); and high albeit decreasing exposure (Cluster D: 1.4%).

Conclusions

The proposed new method enabled us to describe more precisely women's exposure to drugs during pregnancy, and to distinguish different profiles of exposure. This method could be used to investigate specific outcomes related to duration and intensity of drug exposure during pregnancy, and also to study adverse drug reactions throughout life. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A TYPOLOGY OF CHILD SCHOOL BEHAVIOR: INVESTIGATION USING LATENT PROFILE ANALYSIS AND CLUSTER ANALYSIS
Authors: Mindrila Diana L.
Published: March 2016

To describe and facilitate the identification of child school behavior patterns, we developed a typology of child school behavior (ages 6–11 years) using the norming data (N = 2,338) for the second edition of the Behavior Assessment System for Children Teacher Rating–Child form). Latent profile analysis was conducted with the entire data set, whereas cluster analysis was conducted within each latent profile. The resulting classification system included three latent profiles: (a) Adequate Adjustment (AA), (b) Mild Adjustment Difficulties (MAD), and (c) Functionally Impaired Adjustment (FIA). The AA latent profile included the (a) Well‐Adapted, (b) Average, and (c) Worry clusters. The clusters identified within the MAD latent profile were (a) Academic Problems, (b) Physical Complaints, (c) Disruptive Behavior Problems, and (d) Internalizing Problems. Finally, the FIA latent profile comprised the (a) Clinical Problems–External and (b) Clinical Problems–Internal clusters.
Activin A regulates microRNAs and gene expression in LNCaP cells
Authors: Ottley Edward Christopher , Nicholson Helen Diana , Gold Elspeth Joan
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an increasing health issue worldwide. For patients with advanced castration‐resistant PCa (CRPC) treatment options are limited and overall survival is relatively short. Paired with this, non‐invasive diagnostic options are yet to be established. Activins are members of the TGF‐β superfamily and have been linked to prostate physiology. For instance, activin A is an inhibitor of growth in the prostate. A novel class of non‐coding RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been intrinsically linked to a range of cellular processes and carcinogenesis. No studies have investigated the impact of activin A on miRNA expression in PCa cell lines. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of activin A on miRNA expression and downstream target genes in PCa.

METHODS

Activin‐sensitive (LNCaP) and insensitive (PC3) prostate cells were treated with 50 ng/ml of activin A for 72 hr. To examine miRNA expression following treatment, SYBR RT‐qPCR miRNA arrays were used in conjunction with TaqMan RT‐qPCR. MiRPath‐TarBase analysis was conducted using the miRNAs that were significantly altered following activin A treatment of LNCaP cells to highlight enriched target genes within biological pathways. Highlighted target genes were assessed using pathway‐focused TGF‐β and cell cycle SYBR RT‐qPCR arrays.

RESULTS

Activin A treatment altered nine miRNAs in LNCaP cells: miR‐222‐3p, miR‐15b‐5p, miR‐93‐5p, miR‐18a‐5p, and let‐7i‐5p were significantly decreased, while miR‐30a/30d‐5p, let‐7c, and miR‐196b‐5p were significantly increased versus media control. In PC3 cells five miRNAs were altered: miR‐130a‐3p, miR‐7‐5p, and miR‐140‐3p were significantly decreased while miR‐191‐5p and miR‐26a‐5p were significantly increased versus media control. MiRPath‐TarBase analysis highlighted that the miRNAs significantly altered in LNCaP cells targeted genes contained in activin A‐related KEGG pathways. Furthermore, when LNCaP cells were treated with activin A the expression of the targeted genes was the inverse of the expression of activin A‐mediated miRNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the ability of activin A to modulate miRNA expression in PCa cell lines and suggests a correlative relationship between miRNA expression and downstream target genes in LNCaP cells. This study provides impetus for further studies into activin A and miRNAs in PCa. Prostate 76:951–963, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insertion behavior of sodium and potassium ions into thin CVD‐SiOx layers by means of a triangular voltage sweep method
Authors: Gruber S. , Krivec S. , Pobegen G. , Schwab S. , Hutter H.
Published: March 2016

The behavior of Na+ and K+ migration upon insertion from a polymeric host matrix into different SiOx layers deposited by chemical vapor deposition is investigated via triangular voltage sweep (TVS) measurements. It is indicated that the quality of the oxide, covering a highly doped silicon substrate, has a major influence on the applied bias for transferring ions into and through the insulator. The investigations show the impeding effect of ion insertion as a result of different SiOx qualities. Comparison of the calculated ion dose from TVS and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiling data reveals quantitative capture of the inserted ion species at the SiOx/Si interface. Furthermore, insight into the ion mobility and the reversibility of the migration effect is given by the inversion of the sweep polarity during TVS. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion inhibition and performance evaluation on 2,5‐diaryl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole and its derivatives
Authors: Pan Xiaona , Liu Lin , Zhang Qiang , Qian Jianhua
Published: March 2016

Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), this paper evaluated the inhibition effect of four 2,5‐diaryl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole and its derivatives named 2,5‐diphenly‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (DPTD), 2,5‐di(2‐hydroxyphenly)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (2‐DHPTD), 2,5‐di(3‐hydroxyphenly)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (3‐DHPTD), and 2,5‐di(4‐hydroxyphenly)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (4‐DHPTD) on silver strip corrosion in 50 mg/l sulfur–ethanol solution under room temperature. The experiments indicated that the inhibition efficiency increased with increasing inhibitor concentrations, and the increasing order was (4‐DHPDT) > (3‐DHPDT) > (2‐DHPDT) > (DPDT). Quantum chemical calculation was applied to correlate inhibition performances with their electronic structural parameters of thiadiazole derivatives. Molecular dynamics simulations (DFT) were used to optimize the equilibrium configurations of the inhibitor molecules on the silver surface and to investigate the molecular structure effect on the corrosion inhibition efficiency. The efficiency order of the investigated inhibitors, which was obtained by experimental results, was verified by theoretical calculations. Contact angle (CA) analysis was also carried out, and finally confirmed the existence of the adsorbed film which prevailed in addition of thiadiazole derivatives. CA analysis indicated that the film of n‐DHPTD (n = 2,3,4) was hydrophilic, owing to two hydroxyl groups in their molecular. The adsorption of these compounds onto silver strip from 50 mg/l S‐ethanol system obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and it belongs to mixed‐type adsorption mainly dominated by chemisorption. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring Temporal Patterns of Stress in Adolescent Girls with Headache
Authors: Björling Elin A. , Singh Narayan
Published: March 2016

As part of a larger study on perceived stress and headaches in 2009, momentary perceived stress, head pain levels and stress‐related symptom data were collected. This paper explores a temporal analysis of the patterns of stress, as well as an analysis of momentary and retrospective stress‐related symptoms compared by level of headache activity. Adolescent girls (N = 31) ages 14–18 were randomly cued by electronic diaries 7 times per day over a 21‐day period responding to momentary questions about level of head pain, perceived stress and stress‐related symptoms. Multivariate general linear modelling was used to determine significant differences among headache groups in relation to temporal patterns of stress. Significant headache group differences were found on retrospective and momentary stress‐related symptom measures. A total of 2841 diary responses captured stress levels, head pain and related symptoms. The chronic headache (CH) group reported the highest levels of hourly and daily stress, followed by the moderate headache (MH) and low headache (LH) groups. Patterns of stress for the three headache groups were statistically distinct, illustrating increased stress in girls with more frequent head pain. This evidence suggests that because of increased stress, girls with recurrent head pain are likely a vulnerable population who may benefit from stress‐reducing interventions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Cascade Capacity Predicts Individuals to Seed for Diffusion Through Social Networks
Authors: Chesney Thomas
Published: March 2016

Why ideas and practices spread an important topic for management scholars and practitioners. This paper presents the cascade capacity as an aspect of network structure as a measure of essentially how ‘choosy’ everyone in a social network can be and still allow an individual to cause something to spread completely through the network. Drawing on social contagion theory and network theory, we propose a research model about how network structure relates to diffusion and test it by simulation, using network data from the popular microblogging service Twitter. Results show the cascade capacity is an important determinant of diffusion, even when we model for homophily. We show how the concept could be used to select individuals to seed to encourage word of mouth marketing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Harmonization of Mangiferin on methylmercury engendered mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Das Shubhankar , Paul Ajanta , Mumbrekar Kamalesh D. , Rao Satish B. S.
Published: March 2016

Mangiferin (MGN), a C‐glucosylxanthone abundantly found in mango plants, was studied for its potential to ameliorate methylmercury (MeHg) induced mitochondrial damage in HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma) cell line. Cell viability experiments performed using 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐ diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) showed protective property of MGN in annulling MeHg‐induced cytotoxicity. Conditioning the cells with optimal dose of MGN (50 µM) lowered MeHg‐induced oxidative stress, calcium influx/efflux, depletion of mitochondrial trans‐membrane potential and prevented mitochondrial fission as observed by decrease in Mitotracker red fluorescence, expression of pDRP1 (serine 616), and DRP1 levels. MGN pre‐treated cells demonstrated elevation in the activities of glutathione (GSH), Glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR), reduced levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) enzyme complexes. In addition, the anti‐apoptotic effect of MGN was clearly indicated by the reduction in MeHg‐induced apoptotic cells analyzed by flowcytometric analysis after Annexin V‐FITC/propidium iodide staining. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates the ability of a dietary polyphenol, MGN to ameliorate MeHg‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in human hepatic cells in vitro. This hepatoprotective potential may be attributed predominantly to the free radical scavenging/antioxidant property of MGN, by facilitating the balancing of cellular Ca2+ ions, maintenance of redox homeostasis and intracellular antioxidant activities, ultimately preserving the mitochondrial function and cell viability after MeHg intoxication. As MeHg intoxication occurs over a period of time, continuous consumption of such dietary compounds may prove to be very useful in promoting human health. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 630–644, 2017.
mRNAtrans‐splicing in gene therapy for genetic diseases
Authors: Berger Adeline , Maire Séverine , Gaillard Marie‐Claude , Sahel José‐Alain , Hantraye Philippe , Bemelmans Alexis‐Pierre
Published: March 2016

Spliceosome‐mediated RNA trans‐splicing, or SMaRT, is a promising strategy to design innovative gene therapy solutions for currently intractable genetic diseases. SMaRT relies on the correction of mutations at the post‐transcriptional level by modifying the mRNA sequence. To achieve this, an exogenous RNA is introduced into the target cell, usually by means of gene transfer, to induce a splice event in trans between the exogenous RNA and the target endogenous pre‐mRNA. This produces a chimeric mRNA composed partly of exons of the latter, and partly of exons of the former, encoding a sequence free of mutations. The principal challenge of SMaRT technology is to achieve a reaction as complete as possible, i.e., resulting in 100% repairing of the endogenous mRNA target. The proof of concept of SMaRT feasibility has already been established in several models of genetic diseases caused by recessive mutations. In such cases, in fact, the repair of only a portion of the mutant mRNA pool may be sufficient to obtain a significant therapeutic effect. However in the case of dominant mutations, the target cell must be freed from the majority of mutant mRNA copies, requiring a highly efficient trans‐splicing reaction. This likely explains why only a few examples of SMaRT approaches targeting dominant mutations are reported in the literature. In this review, we explain in details the mechanism of trans‐splicing, review the different strategies that are under evaluation to lead to efficient trans‐splicing, and discuss the advantages and limitations of SMaRT. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:487–498. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1347

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
The reciprocal regulation between splicing and 3′‐end processing
Authors: Kaida Daisuke
Published: March 2016

Most eukaryotic precursor mRNAs are subjected to RNA processing events, including 5′‐end capping, splicing and 3′‐end processing. These processing events were historically studied independently; however, since the early 1990s tremendous efforts by many research groups have revealed that these processing factors interact with each other to control each other's functions. U1 snRNP and its components negatively regulate polyadenylation of precursor mRNAs. Importantly, this function is necessary for protecting the integrity of the transcriptome and for regulating gene length and the direction of transcription. In addition, physical and functional interactions occur between splicing factors and 3′‐end processing factors across the last exon. These interactions activate or inhibit splicing and 3′‐end processing depending on the context. Therefore, splicing and 3′‐end processing are reciprocally regulated in many ways through the complex protein–protein interaction network. Although interesting questions remain, future studies will illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying the reciprocal regulation. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:499–511. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1348

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing
Anhydrobiosis in yeast: cell wall mannoproteins are important for yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae resistance to dehydration
Authors: Borovikova Diana , Teparić Renata , Mrša Vladimir , Rapoport Alexander
Published: March 2016

The state of anhydrobiosis is linked with the reversible delay of metabolism as a result of strong dehydration of cells, and is widely distributed in nature. A number of factors responsible for the maintenance of organisms' viability in these conditions have been revealed. This study was directed to understanding how changes in cell wall structure may influence the resistance of yeasts to dehydration–rehydration. Mutants lacking various cell wall mannoproteins were tested to address this issue. It was revealed that mutants lacking proteins belonging to two structurally and functionally unrelated groups (proteins non‐covalently attached to the cell wall, and Pir proteins) possessed significantly lower cell resistance to dehydration–rehydration than the mother wild‐type strain. At the same time, the absence of the GPI‐anchored cell wall protein Ccw12 unexpectedly resulted in an increase of cell resistance to this treatment; this phenomenon is explained by the compensatory synthesis of chitin. The results clearly indicate that the cell wall structure/composition relates to parameters strongly influencing yeast viability during the processes of dehydration–rehydration, and that damage to cell wall proteins during yeast desiccation can be an important factor leading to cell death. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outlining the influence of non‐conventional yeasts in wine ageing over lees
Authors: Belda Ignacio , Navascués Eva , Marquina Domingo , Santos Antonio , Calderón Fernando , Benito Santiago
Published: March 2016

During the last decade, the use of innovative yeast cultures of both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non‐Saccharomyces yeasts as alternative tools to manage the winemaking process have turned the oenology industry. Although the contribution of different yeast species to wine quality during fermentation is increasingly understood, information about their role in wine ageing over lees is really scarce. This work aims to analyse the incidence of three non‐Saccharomyces yeast species of oenological interest (Torulaspora delbrueckii, Lachancea thermotolerans and Metschnikowia pulcherrima) and of a commercial mannoprotein‐overproducer S. cerevisiae strain compared with a conventional industrial yeast strain during wine ageing over lees. To evaluate their incidence in mouthfeel properties of wine after 4 months of ageing, the mannoprotein content of wines was evaluated, together with other wine analytic parameters, such as colour and aroma, biogenic amines and amino acids profile. Some differences among the studied parameters were observed during the study, especially regarding the mannoprotein concentration of wines. Our results suggest that the use of T. delbrueckii lees in wine ageing is a useful tool for the improvement of overall wine quality by notably increasing mannoproteins, reaching values higher than obtained using a S. cerevisiae overproducer strain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linkages of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes populations to methanogenic process performance
Authors: Chen Si , Cheng Huicai , Wyckoff Kristen N , He Qiang
Published: March 2016

To identify potential linkages between specific bacterial populations and process performance in anaerobic digestion, the dynamics of bacterial community structure was monitored with high-throughput sequencing in triplicate anaerobic digesters treating animal waste. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found as the two most abundant populations, however, with contrasting population dynamics in response to organic overloading. Firmicutes dominated the bacterial community during stable process performance at low organic loading rate, representing over 50 % of the bacterial abundance. In contrast, the onset of organic overloading raised the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes from 20 ± 2.6 to 44 ± 3.1 %. In addition to the significant negative correlation between the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, populations of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found to be linked to process parameters including organic loading rate, volatile fatty acids concentration, and methane production. Therefore, the population abundance ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio) was suggested as a potential indicator for process performance. The interactions between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes populations could be exploited to develop strategies for the prevention of performance perturbation in anaerobic digestion processes.
Brain 2‐Arachidonoylglycerol Levels Are Dramatically and Rapidly Increased Under Acute Ischemia‐Injury Which Is Prevented by Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Brose Stephen A. , Golovko Svetlana A. , Golovko Mikhail Y.
Published: March 2016

The involvement of brain 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) in a number of critical physiological and pathophysiological regulatory mechanisms highlights the importance for an accurate brain 2‐AG determination. In the present study, we validated head‐focused microwave irradiation (MW) as a method to prevent postmortem brain 2‐AG alterations before analysis. We compared MW to freezing to prevent 2‐AG induction and estimated exogenous and endogenous 2‐AG stability upon exposure to MW. Using MW, we measured, for the first time, true 2‐AG brain levels under basal conditions, 30 s after brain removal from the cranium, and upon exposure to 5 min of brain global ischemia. Our data indicate that brain 2‐AG levels are instantaneously and dramatically increased approximately 60‐fold upon brain removal from the cranium. With 5 min of brain global ischemia 2‐AG levels are also, but less dramatically, increased 3.5‐fold. Our data indicate that brain tissue fixation with MW is a required technique to measure both true basal 2‐AG levels and 2‐AG alterations under different experimental conditions including global ischemia, and 2‐AG is stable upon exposure to MW.
Investigating Chemical Properties and Oxidative Stability of Kernel Oil from Pistacia khinjuk Growing Wild in Iran
Authors: Tavakoli Javad , Hamedani Fatemeh , Haddad Khodaparast Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2016

In this study in order to introduce a new vegetable oil, oxidative stability and chemical characteristics of Pistacia khinjuk kernel oil (PKKO) as compared with P. atlantica kernel oil (PAKO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) were investigated. Oxidative stability of studied oils was considered based on the conjugated diene value (CDV), carbonyl value (CV) and oil/oxidative stability index (OSI) through an 8‐h thermal process at 170 °C. Also, chemical characteristics [fatty acid composition, unsaponifiable matter (USM), total tocopherols (TT), total phenolics (TP) and total sterols (TS), iodine value, saponification number and waxes] of these oils were analyzed. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids and the oxidizability (Cox) value of PKKO (1.14 and 2.78; respectively) were between those of PAKO (2.37 and 4.23; respectively) and EVOO (1.14 and 2.78; respectively). USM content of the three studied oils was between 1.1 and 1.51 %. TT and TP contents of PKKO (619.4 and 26.6 ppm) were lower than those of PAKO (845.33 and 75.22 ppm) and higher than those of EVOO (365.23 and 19.78 ppm). TS contents of PKKO, PAKO and EVOO were 2,500, 2,150 and 3,800 ppm, respectively. Oxidative stability data indicated that PKKO is the most resilient oil against lipid oxidation, followed by PAKO and EVOO. CDV significantly increased by the lowest speed for PKKO, followed by PAKO and EVOO. Increase of CV and reduction of OSI for PKKO, PAKO and EVOO were 29.2, 128 and 338.7 and 32.8, 67.9 and 79.3 %; respectively.
Dual Constant Domain‐Fab: A novel strategy to improve half‐life and potency of a Met therapeutic antibody
Authors: Cignetto Simona , Modica Chiara , Chiriaco Cristina , Fontani Lara , Milla Paola , Michieli Paolo , Comoglio Paolo M. , Vigna Elisa
Published: March 2016

The kinase receptor encoded by the Met oncogene is a sensible target for cancer therapy. The chimeric monovalent Fab fragment of the DN30 monoclonal antibody (MvDN30) has an odd mechanism of action, based on cell surface removal of Met via activation of specific plasma membrane proteases. However, the short half‐life of the Fab, due to its low molecular weight, is a severe limitation for the deployment in therapy. This issue was addressed by increasing the Fab molecular weight above the glomerular filtration threshold through the duplication of the constant domains, in tandem (DCD‐1) or reciprocally swapped (DCD‐2). The two newly engineered molecules showed biochemical properties comparable to the original MvDN30 in vitro, acting as full Met antagonists, impairing Met phosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling pathways. As a consequence, Met‐mediated biological responses were inhibited, including anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent cell growth. In vivo DCD‐1 and DCD‐2 showed a pharmacokinetic profile significantly improved over the original MvDN30, doubling the circulating half‐life and reducing the clearance. In pre‐clinical models of cancer, generated by injection of tumor cells or implant of patient‐derived samples, systemic administration of the engineered molecules inhibited the growth of Met‐addicted tumors.
MODELING THE NUMBER OF INSURED HOUSEHOLDS IN AN INSURANCE PORTFOLIO USING QUEUING THEORY
Authors: Boucher Jean-Philippe , Couture-Piché Guillaume
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we use queuing theory to model the number of insured households in an insurance portfolio. The model is based on an idea from Boucher and Couture-Piché (2015), who use a queuing theory model to estimate the number of insured cars on an insurance contract. Similarly, the proposed model includes households already insured, but the modeling approach is modified to include new households that could be added to the portfolio. For each household, we also use the queuing theory model to estimate the number of insured cars. We analyze an insurance portfolio from a Canadian insurance company to support this discussion. Statistical inference techniques serve to estimate each parameter of the model, even in cases where some explanatory variables are included in each of these parameters. We show that the proposed model offers a reasonable approximation of what is observed, but we also highlight the situations where the model should be improved. By assuming that the insurance company makes a $1 profit for each one-year car exposure, the proposed approach allows us to determine a global value of the insurance portfolio of an insurer based on the customer equity concept.
Negotiating natural history in transitional China and British India
Authors: FAN FA-TI , MATHEW JOHN
Published: March 2016

This article examines scientific developments in China and India by comparing and contrasting the enterprises of natural history during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. From this perspective, the cases of China and India shared some similarities, but also exhibited important differences with respect to the conditions, ideologies, personnel, processes and strategies in scientific development. Two very large countries, with much left unexplored, attracted broad scientific interest in their flora and fauna from the early modern period; the interest intensified in the nineteenth century because of increasing accessibility to their interiors. However, the different historical situations that involved empire, nation, professionalization, geography and domestic and international politics helped shape the respective trajectories of scientific development in the two countries. Yet, despite their differences, China and India shared important similarities in the co-production of science and state, the global hierarchy of knowledge production, and the coloniality of power relations. This historical complexity also represented an important aspect of the global history of science, one that still bears poignancy and resonance in the contemporary world.
Comparative LIDT measurements of optical components for high-energy HiLASE lasers
Authors: Vanda Jan , Ševčík Jan , Pupka Egidijus , Ščiuka Mindaugas , Melninkaitis Andrius , Divoký Martin , Jambunathan Venkatesan , Bonora Stefano , Škoda Václav , Lucianetti Antonio , Rostohar Danijela , Mocek Tomas , Sirutkaitis Valdas
Published: March 2016

Further advancement of high-energy pulsed lasers requires a parallel development of appropriate optical components. Several different optical components, such as mirrors and antireflection-coated windows, which are essential for the design of HiLASE high average power lasers were tested. The following paper summarizes results on the measurements of laser-induced damage threshold of such components, and clearly shows their capabilities and limitations for such a demanding application.
Morphology of the nematode Deletrocephalus dimidiatus Diesing, 1851 from the rhea, Rhea americana Linnaeus, 1758, together with a key to species of Deletrocephalinae
Authors: Ederli N.B. , Oliveira F.C.R.
Published: March 2016

The family Deletrocephalidae consists of three species, from two genera: Deletrocephalus dimidiatus, D. cesarpintoi and Paradeletrocephalus minor, which differ from one another in terms of the buccal capsule structure, the dorsal ray from the male copulatory bursa and the length of the vagina in the female. All these species are parasites of the gastrointestinal tract of the rhea, Rhea americana. Only D. dimidiatus was reported to be a parasite of the other rhea species, Darwin's rhea, R. pennata. Currently, there are no studies on the ultrastructure and biology of these parasites or their pathogenicity in these birds. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the ultrastructure and add more details of the morphology of D. dimidiatus from R. americana. Four adult rheas were necropsied, and the gastrointestinal tract was collected and examined for the presence of parasites. Nematodes were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All birds were parasitized by D. dimidiatus. Some morphological and morphometric characters were observed that differ from reports of other studies of this species by other authors. In addition, new details were added, well described by SEM, and a key to the species of the subfamily Deletrocephalinae is given.
Tb theorem on product spaces
Authors: HAN YONGSHENG , LEE MING-YI , LIN CHIN-CHENG
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we prove a Tb theorem on product spaces $\mathbb{R}$n × $\mathbb{R}$m, where b(x1, x2) = b1(x1)b2(x2), b1 and b2 are para-accretive functions on $\mathbb{R}$n and $\mathbb{R}$m, respectively.
Meteorological factors affect the hand, foot, and mouth disease epidemic in Qingdao, China, 2007–2014
Authors: JIANG F. C. , YANG F. , CHEN L. , JIA J. , HAN Y. L. , HAO B. , CAO G. W.
Published: March 2016

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has caused public health concerns worldwide. We aimed to investigate the effect of meteorological factors on the HFMD epidemic in Qingdao, a port city in China. A total of 78641 cases were reported in Qingdao between January 2007 and December 2014. Of those, 71084 (90·39%) occurred in children aged 0–5 years, with an incidence of 1691·2/100000. The incidence increased from early spring, peaked between spring and summer, and decreased in late summer. Aetiological agents in all severe cases and selected mild cases were characterized by examining throat swabs. Except for enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CA16), other EVs caused >50% of the HFMD cases between 2011 and 2014. EV71 was more frequent in the off-peak months than in the peak months and prone to causing more severe cases compared to CA16 (χ2 = 46·3, P < 0·001). CA10 caused more severe HFMD than did CA6 (χ2 = 20·49, P < 0·001) and all non-CA10 EVs (χ2 = 41·01, P < 0·001). Community-derived HFMD cases accounted for 65·11%. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that HFMD incidence in children aged 0–5 years was positively correlated with atmospheric temperature (rs = 0·77, P < 0·001), relative humidity (rs = 0·507, P < 0·001), and precipitation (rs = 0·328, P < 0·001). Climate changes and CA10 surveillance in communities should be integrated into the current prophylactic programme.
Public Attitudes toward an Epidemiological Study with Genomic Analysis in the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster Area
Authors: Ishikuro Mami , Nakaya Naoki , Obara Taku , Sato Yuki , Metoki Hirohito , Kikuya Masahiro , Tsuchiya Naho , Nakamura Tomohiro , Nagami Fuji , Kuriyama Shinichi , Hozawa Atsushi ,   the ToMMo Study Group
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 may have influenced the long-term health of those in the disaster area. It is important to collect current and future health information of the people living in the post-disaster area to provide appropriate health support and quality-oriented care. However, public perceptions of health and genomic studies in the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster area are still unknown.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted in one town affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The results of the questionnaire were tailed and the differences in responses to each question were assessed by sex and age.

Results

In 284 eligible people (137 men, 147 women), almost all participants agreed to join a health survey investigating the adverse effects of the disaster, and over 80% of the total participants agreed to genomic analysis. Over 70% of the participants wanted to receive pharmacogenetic testing and to receive feedback on which medications were suitable or unsuitable for them.

Conclusions

Most people living in the disaster area are interested in health surveys. Most of the participants also showed interest in genomic analysis.

IshikuroM, NakayaN, ObaraT, SatoY, MetokiH, KikuyaM, TsuchiyaN, NakamuraT, NagamiF, KuriyamaS, HozawaA, the ToMMo Study Group. Public attitudes toward an epidemiological study with genomic analysis in the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster area. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(3):330–334.
Fire Engine Support and On-scene Time in Prehospital Stroke Care – A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Puolakka Tuukka , Väyrynen Taneli , Erkkilä Elja-Pekka , Kuisma Markku
Published: March 2016

Introduction

On-scene time (OST) previously has been shown to be a significant component of Emergency Medical Services’ (EMS’) operational delay in acute stroke. Since stroke patients are managed routinely by two-person ambulance crews, increasing the number of personnel available on the scene is a possible method to improve their performance.

Hypothesis

Using fire engine crews to support ambulances on the scene in acute stroke is hypothesized to be associated with a shorter OST.

Methods

All patients transported to hospital as thrombolysis candidates during a one-year study period were registered by the ambulance crews using a case report form that included patient characteristics and operational EMS data.

Results

Seventy-seven patients (41 [53%] male; mean age of 68.9 years [SD=15]; mean Glasgow Coma Score [GCS] of 15 points [IQR=14-15]) were eligible for the study. Forty-five cases were managed by ambulance and fire engine crews together and 32 by the ambulance crews alone. The median ambulance response time was seven minutes (IQR=5-10) and the fire engine response time was six minutes (IQR=5-8). The number of EMS personnel on the scene was six (IQR=5-7) and two (IQR=2-2), and the OST was 21 minutes (IQR=18-26) and 24 minutes (IQR=20-32; P =.073) for the groups, respectively. In a following regression analysis, using stroke as the dispatch code was the only variable associated with short (<22 minutes) OST with an odds ratio of 3.952 (95% CI, 1.279-12.207).

Conclusion

Dispatching fire engine crews to support ambulances in acute stroke care was not associated with a shorter on-scene stay when compared to standard management by two-person ambulance crews alone. Using stroke as the dispatch code was the only variable that was associated independently with a short OST.

PuolakkaT, VäyrynenT, ErkkiläE-P, KuismaM. Fire engine support and on-scene time in prehospital stroke care – a prospective observational study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(3):278–281.
Prevention of Crush Syndrome through Aggressive Early Resuscitation: Clinical Case in a Buried Worker
Authors: Mardones Alvaro , Arellano Pablo , Rojas Carlos , Gutierrez Rodrigo , Oliver Nicolas , Borgna Vincenzo
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Crush syndrome, of which little is known, occurs as a result of compression injury to the muscles. This syndrome is characterized by systemic manifestations such as acute kidney injury (AKI), hypovolemic shock, and hydroelectrolytic variations. This pathology presents high morbidity and mortality if not managed aggressively by prehospital care.

Clinical Case

A 40-year-old worker was rescued after being buried underground in a ditch for 19 hours. The patient was administered early resuscitation with isotonic solutions and monitored during the entire rescue operation. Despite having increased plasma levels of total creatine kinase (CK), the patient did not develop AKI or hydroelectrolytic variations.

Conclusion

Aggressive early management with isotonic solutions before hospital arrival is an effective option for nephron-protection and prevention of crush syndrome.

MardonesA, ArellanoP, RojasC, GutierrezR, OliverN, BorgnaV. Prevention of crush syndrome through aggressive early resuscitation: clinical case in a buried worker. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(3):340–342.
Assessment of Anger-Related Cognitions of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Richardson Charlotte , Killeen Stewart , Jahoda Andrew , Christopher Rose , Rose John , Willner Paul
Published: March 2016

Background:Interventions for anger represent the largest body of research on the adaptation of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for people with intellectual disabilities. The extent to which the effectiveness of these interventions reflects the behavioural or cognitive components of CBT is uncertain. This arises in part because there are few measures of anger-related cognitions.Method:The Profile of Anger-related Cognitions (PAC) is built around interpersonal scenarios that the participant identifies as personally anger-provoking, and was designed as an extension of the Profile of Anger Coping Skills (PACS). A conversational presentational style is used to approach ratings of anger experienced in those situations and of four relevant cognitive dimensions: attribution of hostile intent, unfairness, victimhood, and helplessness. The PAC, and other measures, including the PACS, was administered to (i) people with ID identified as having problems with anger control (n= 12) and (ii) university students (n= 23); its psychometric properties were investigated and content analyses were conducted of participants’ verbal responses. In a third study, clinicians (n= 6) were surveyed for their impression of using the PAC in the assessment of clients referred for help with anger problems.Results:The PAC had good consistency and test-retest reliability, and the total score on the four cognitive dimensions correlated significantly with anger ratings but not with impersonal measures of anger disposition. The predominant cognitions reported were perceptions of unfairness and helplessness. People with ID and university students were in most respects very similar in both the psychometric analyses and the content analyses of their verbal responses. The PAC had high acceptability both to people with ID and to clinicians.Conclusions:The PAC may be a useful instrument for both clinical and research purposes. Personal relevance and the conversational mode of administration are particular strengths.
A SOLUTION OF THE CONSERVATION LAW FORM OF THE SERRE EQUATIONS
Authors: ZOPPOU C. , ROBERTS S. G. , PITT J.
Published: March 2016

The nonlinear and weakly dispersive Serre equations contain higher-order dispersive terms. These include mixed spatial and temporal derivative flux terms which are difficult to handle numerically. These terms can be replaced by an alternative combination of equivalent temporal and spatial terms, so that the Serre equations can be written in conservation law form. The water depth and new conserved quantities are evolved using a second-order finite-volume scheme. The remaining primitive variable, the depth-averaged horizontal velocity, is obtained by solving a second-order elliptic equation using simple finite differences. Using an analytical solution and simulating the dam-break problem, the proposed scheme is shown to be accurate, simple to implement and stable for a range of problems, including flows with steep gradients. It is only slightly more computationally expensive than solving the shallow water wave equations.
Conversations within and between two early lieder of Schubert
Authors: Sobaskie James William
Published: March 2016

Biographical background and musical analysis reveal a remarkable relationship between Franz Schubert’s early lieder ‘An die Geliebte’ and ‘An die Nachtigall’. In ‘An die Geliebte’, tonal ambiguity underscores the indeterminate nature of its narrative, permitting multiple coexistent and contrasting expressive meanings while favouring an ironic interpretation and an intriguing subtext. In ‘An die Nachtigall’, whose introduction and first phrase are similar to the opening of ‘An die Geliebte’, multiple expressive meanings also may be discerned, including an ironic interpretation that emerges when the song is considered in the context of its predecessor. Proceeding from a prior discussion of these lieder by Susan Youens, this essay will reveal unsuspected layers of meaning and a contextual process that unfolds in these unassuming yet engaging songs of Schubert, which uniquely converse with one another and frame an important episode in the composer’s life.
Experimental electron densities of neutral and zwitterionic forms of the drug piroxicam
Authors: Shi X. , El Hassan N. , Ikni A. , Li W. , Guiblin N. , Spasojević de-Biré A. , Ghermani N. E.
Published: March 2016

The electron and electrostatic properties of piroxicam (PX) were derived from high resolution X-ray diffraction experiments carried out at 100 K.
Fabrication of a visible-light-driven photocatalyst and degradation of tetracycline based on the photoinduced interfacial charge transfer of SrTiO3/Fe2O3 nanowires
Authors: Liu Chunbo , Wu Guoling , Chen Jibin , Huang Kai , Shi Weidong
Published: March 2016

Visible light irradiation can induce carrier transfer and generate oxidizing species of SrTiO3/Fe2O3 nanowires to degrade tetracycline.
Annulation based on 8-aminoquinoline assisted C–H activation: an emerging tool in N-heterocycle construction
Authors: Wan Jie-Ping , Li Yi , Liu Yunyun
Published: March 2016

As an important emerging area of 8-aminoquinoline assisted C–H activation, the construction of heterocycles via direct C–H activation and domino reactions involving domino C–H activation/annulation has been highlighted.
A palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-alkynylbenzenesulfonamides with 2-(2-bromoarylidene)cyclobutanones
Authors: Gong Xinxing , Xia Hongguang , Wu Jie
Published: March 2016

The core of benzo[f][1,2]thiazonin-5(4H)-one 3,3-dioxide is efficiently assembled through a palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-alkynylbenzenesulfonamides with 2-(2-bromobenzylidene)cyclobutanones via double carbometallation. A range of polycycles with a nine-membered sultam ring are generated in moderate to good yields.
Wide-range work-function tuning of active graphene transparent electrodes via hole doping
Authors: Syu Jheng-Yuan , Chen Yu-Min , Xu Kai-Xiang , He Shih-Ming , Hung Wu-Ching , Chang Chien-Liang , Su Ching-Yuan
Published: March 2016

A novel strategy for preparing active transparent conductive electrodes by doping LBL-stacked graphene with AuCl3, successfully achieving an extremely wide range of work-function tunability of up to ~1.5 eV.
Synergistic effects of SrTiO3 nanocubes and Ti3+ dual-doping for highly improved photoelectrochemical performance of TiO2 nanotube arrays under visible light
Authors: Shang Mingdong , Hu Hongyan , Lu Gongxuan , Bi Yingpu
Published: March 2016

The synergistic effects of heterocoupling of SrTiO3 nanocubes and Ti3+ dual-doping could substantially improve the photoelectrochemical performances of TiO2 nanotube arrays under visible-light irradiation.
Target-triggered autonomous assembly of DNA polymer chains and its application in colorimetric nucleic acid detection
Authors: Dai Jianyuan , He Hongfei , Duan Zhijuan , Zhou Cuisong , Long Yuyin , Zheng Baozhan , Du Juan , Guo Yong , Xiao Dan
Published: March 2016

One-dimensional DNA polymer chains were obtained based on the catalyzed hairpin assembly and sticky end self-assembly, which led to a signal amplified colorimetric nucleic acid assay.
Transparent conductive CuCrO2thin films deposited by pulsed injection metal organic chemical vapor deposition: up-scalable process technology for an improved transparency/conductivity trade-off
Authors: Crêpellière J. , Popa P. Lunca , Bahlawane N. , Leturcq R. , Werner F. , Siebentritt S. , Lenoble D.
Published: March 2016

Metal organic chemical vapor deposition is carefully optimized for the growth of pure CuCrO2delafossite coatings on glass substrates.
Gas phase vibrational spectroscopy of cold (TiO2)n− (n = 3–8) clusters
Authors: Weichman Marissa L. , Song Xiaowei , Fagiani Matias R. , Debnath Sreekanta , Gewinner Sandy , Schöllkopf Wieland , Neumark Daniel M. , Asmis Knut R.
Published: March 2016

We report infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectra for the D2-tagged titanium oxide cluster anions (TiO2)n− with n = 3–8 in the spectral region from 450 to 1200 cm−1. The IRPD spectra are interpreted with the aid of harmonic spectra from BP86/6-311+G* density functional theory calculations of energetically low-lying isomers. We conclusively assign the IRPD spectra of the n = 3 and n = 6 clusters to global minimum energy structures with Cs and C2 symmetry, respectively. The vibrational spectra of the n = 4 and n = 7 clusters can be attributed to contributions of at most two low-lying structures. While our calculations indicate that the n = 5 and n = 8 clusters have many more low-lying isomers than the other clusters, the dominant contributions to their spectra can be assigned to the lowest energy structures. Through comparison between the calculated and experimental spectra, we can draw conclusions about the size-dependent evolution of the properties of (TiO2)n− clusters, and on their potential utility as model systems for catalysis on a bulk TiO2 surface.