bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta‐analysis on the influence of biological implant surface coatings on periimplant bone formation
Authors: Jenny Gregor , Jauernik Johanna , Bierbaum Susanne , Bigler Martin , Grätz Klaus W. , Rücker Martin , Stadlinger Bernd
Published: June 2016

This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the influence of biological implant surface coatings on periimplant bone formation in comparison to an uncoated titanium reference surface in experimental large animal models. The analysis was structured according to the PRISMA criteriae. Of the1077 studies, 30 studies met the inclusion criteriae. Nineteen studies examined the bone implant contact (BIC) and were included in the meta‐analysis. Overall, the mean increase in BIC for the test surfaces compared to the reference surfaces was 3.7 percentage points (pp) (95% CI −3.9–11.2, p = 0.339). Analyzing the increase in BIC for specific coated surfaces in comparison to uncoated reference surfaces, inorganic surface coatings showed a significant mean increase in BIC of 14.7 pp (95% CI 10.6–18.9, p < 0.01), extracellular matrix (ECM) surface coatings showed an increase of 10.0 pp (95% CI 4.4–15.6, p < 0.001), and peptide coatings showed a statistical trend with 7.1 pp BIC increase (95% CI −0.8–15.0, p = 0.08). In this review, no statistically significant difference could be found for growth factor surface coatings (observed difference −3.3 pp, 95% CI −16.5–9.9, p = 0.6). All analyses are exploratory in nature. The results show a statistically significant effect of inorganic and ECM coatings on periimplant bone formation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2898–2910, 2016.
Alleviation of Aflatoxin B1‐Induced Genomic Damage by Proanthocyanidins via Modulation of DNA Repair
Authors: Bakheet Saleh A. , Alhuraishi Ahmed M. , Al‐Harbi Naif O. , Al‐Hosaini Khaled A. , Al‐Sharary Shakir D. , Attia Mohammed M. , Alhoshani Ali R. , Al‐Shabanah Othman A. , Al‐Harbi Mohammed M. , Imam Faisal , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Attia Sabry M.
Published: June 2016

In order to study the mechanisms underlying the alleviation of aflatoxin B1‐induced genomic damage by proanthocyanidins (PAs), we examined the modulation of oxidative DNA damage induced by aflatoxin B1 in PAs‐pretreated animals. The effects of PAs on changes in the expression of DNA damage and repair genes induced by aflatoxin B1 were also evaluated in rat marrow cells. Administration of PAs before aflatoxin B1 significantly mitigated aflatoxin B1‐induced oxidative DNA damage in a dose‐dependent manner. Aflatoxin B1 treatment induced significant alterations in the expression of specific DNA repair genes, and the pre‐treatment of rats with PAs ameliorated the altered expression of these genes. Conclusively, PAs protect against aflatoxin B1‐induced oxidative DNA damage in rats. These protective effects are attributed to the antioxidant effects of PA and enhanced DNA repair through modulation of DNA repair gene expression. Therefore, PAs are a promising chemoprotective agent for averting genotoxic risks associated with aflatoxin B1 exposure.
Electrocatalytic Activity of Immobilized Co(II) on Porous Graphene Aerogels
Authors: Bagheri Samira , Ramimoghadam Donya , Mansouri Negar , Bee Abd Hamid Sharifah
Published: June 2016

The highly‐porous graphene aerogel (GA) with BET surface area of 810 m2 g−1 and three‐dimensional structure has been successfully fabricated using the hydrothermal technique. The modified glassy carbon electrode was then prepared by casting the graphene aerogel solution followed by immersing the GA/GCE in Co+2 solution. The results showed that graphene aerogels improved the adsorption ability of the Co (II) ions. The electrocatalysis of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the Co‐GA modified glassy carbon elec‐ trode (Co‐GA/GCE) has been investigated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) in alkaline solution. The OER was noticeably enhanced at Co‐GA/GCE, representing a negative shift in the LSV curve at the Co‐GA/GCE compared to that obtained at the bare GCE. The high electrocatalytic activity, good reproducibility and low cost of proposed electrode provides desired characteristics of a potential candi‐ date in the industrial water electrolysis process.
One‐step Hydrothermal Synthesis and Assembly of Copper and Silver Nanoparticles to Aggregates in Glyoxal Reduction System
Authors: Talar Abbas Jorsaraei , Ghasemi Hamideh , Rashidi Alimorad , Khodabakhshi Saeed
Published: June 2016

A simple hydrothermal process has been developed for the synthesis and assembly of copper and silver nanoparticles to aggregates. The reduction of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions to the zerovalent metal was performed by glyoxal in the absence of any external agent. The produced glyoxylic acid (GA) in the redox process stabi‐ lized metallic copper and silver particles and rendered them oxidation resistant for several months and dispersible in polar organic solvents and water. Detailed nanostructures of synthesized products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrated that assembly of nanoparticles to aggregates and their regularity were dependent on the reaction conditions such as temperature and concentration of the starting material. The Ostwald ripening process was proposed to explain the formation of copper nanoparticles by TEM observation at several times during the reaction. The existence of the surface stabilizing agent was identified by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA).
Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Ions by Phosphate‐mineralization Bacteria and Its Mechanism
Authors: Qian Chunxiang , Zhan Qiwei
Published: June 2016

Bioremediation of heavy metal ions by phosphate‐mineralization bacteria (PMB), as a new green and en‐ vironmental method, relies on microbe‐inducing phosphate precipitation and can prevent heavy metal ions from transferring. The growth of PMB was investigated via four aspects respectively — the control of incubation time, pH value, environmental conditions, and heavy metal ions. At the same time, phosphatemineralization precipitations and mechanism of four common kinds of heavy metal ions were analyzed. The experimental results indicated that PMB didn’t grow immediately in the first 5 hours, and they reached to the fastest reproduction rate after 13 hours. The pH value of PMB solution increased gradually from 7.0 to 8.6 when PM0B grew, which plays an important role in the mineralization process. PMB could grow most rapidly at 30 °C, pH of 8 and low concentration of heavy metal ions. It showed that too high or too low temperature and pH, as well as high concentration of heavy metal ions, could inhibit the reproduction of PMB. Stable and large particles phosphate‐mineralization precipitation, whose particle size could be more than 10 microns, were obtained by the process that PMB induced substrate to decompose and thus mineralized heavy metal ions effectively.
Anodized Iron Oxide Nanostructures on Different Carbon Steels for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Deng Hongda , Huang Mao‐Chia , Weng Wei‐Heng , Lin Jing‐Chie
Published: June 2016

In this study, two different nanostructural iron oxide films were prepared on two kinds of carbon steels (CS) with different contents of impurities via anodization in a mixture of aqueous ammonium fluoride solution and ethylene glycol, respectively, and apply to photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. After annealing, iron oxide nanotubes (NTs) was coated on surface of lower purity CS and iron oxide nanoporous (NPs) was coated on surface of higher purity CS via scanning electron microscope. X‐ray diffraction pattern shows both of samples contain a major phase of α‐Fe2O3 and a slight phase of Fe3O4. Compared with NPs, NTs behaves better absorbance ability in visible spectra range via UV‐visible absorbance spectra. From PEC response, the iron oxide NTs showed higher water splitting performance (0.10 mA/cm2 at 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl) than NPs (0.04 mA/cm2 at 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl) due to better absorbance, higher car‐ rier concentration and low charge transfer resistance.
Regioselective Synthesis of Mono‐ and Dispiropyrazoline Derivatives via 1,3‐dipolar Cycloaddition with Nitrilimines
Authors: Rouatbi Fadwa , Mhiri Chourouk , Askri Moheddine , Knorr Michael , Rousselin Yoann , Kubicki Marek M.
Published: June 2016

The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of (E,E)‐1,3‐bis(arylidene)indan‐2‐one 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e with diarylnitrilimines, generated in situ via dehydrohalogenation of the corresponding hydrazonoyl chlorides 2a, 2b, 2c, affords predominantly monospiropyrazolines 3 and 4 as a mixture of diastereoisomers. Also dispiropyrazolines 5 are formed in moderate yields. The structure and stereochemistry of cycloadducts 3, 4, 5 were confirmed by 1H and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses data, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies of 3ba and 5ca.
Synthesis of Pyridotriazolopyrimidines as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Abdallah Magda A. , Gomha Sobhi M. , Morad Mahmoud A. , Elaasser Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2016

2‐Hydrazino‐5,7‐di‐p‐tolylpyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one (4) was prepared and condensed with different aldehydes 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g to give the corresponding hydrazone derivatives 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g. Oxidative cyclization of the latter compounds 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g gave the corresponding pyrido[2,3‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidin‐5(1H)‐ones 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g. Furthermore, compound 4 reacted with benzoyl chloride, triethyl orthoformate, acetyl chloride, ethyl chloroformate, and carbon disulphide in alcoholic KOH solution to afford the corresponding pyrido[2,3‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidinones (7a, 8, 9, 10, 11). The reaction of thione 3 or its 2‐methylthio derivative 16 with hydrazonoyl halides 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k, 12l, 12m yielded the corresponding pyrido[2,3‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidinones 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g, 15h, 15i, 15j, 15k, 15l, 15m. The structures of all the products were confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and MS). In addition, the anticancer activity of 20 pyridotriazolopyrimidinones against two cancer cell lines namely MCF‐7 and HepG2 was evaluated, and the results revealed that compounds 7d and 9 have promising activity, compared with doxorubicin, which used as standard reference drug.
Purinergic signaling in epilepsy
Authors: Rassendren François , Audinat Etienne
Published: June 2016

Until recently, analysis of the mechanisms underlying epilepsy was centered on neuron dysfunctions. Accordingly, most of the available pharmacological treatments aim at reducing neuronal excitation or at potentiating neuronal inhibition. These therapeutic options can lead to obvious secondary effects, and, moreover, seizures cannot be controlled by any known medication in one‐third of the patients. A purely neurocentric view of brain functions and dysfunctions has been seriously questioned during the past 2 decades because of the accumulation of experimental data showing the functional importance of reciprocal interactions between glial cells and neurons. In the case of epilepsy, our current knowledge of the human disease and analysis of animal models clearly favor the involvement of astrocytes and microglial cells during the progression of the disease, including at very early stages, opening the way to the identification of new therapeutic targets. Purinergic signaling is a fundamental feature of neuron–glia interactions, and increasing evidence indicates that modifications of this pathway contribute to the functional remodeling of the epileptic brain. This Review discusses the recent experimental results indicating the roles of astrocytic and microglial P2X and P2Y receptors in epilepsy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soil structure of arable and non‐arable land in the Western Siberian Grain Belt in Russia—Application of the soil fingerprint code for topsoil characterization
Authors: Störrle Maria , Hagedorn Lisa , Yurtaev Andrey , Brauckmann Hans‐Jörg , Broll Gabriele
Published: June 2016

Soil structure is a key indicator for soil quality. Often, a degradation of the soil structure is the result of inappropriate land management. This investigation was carried out in the Western Siberian forest steppe, because soil degradation is an important issue in this part of the Siberian Grain Belt. Therefore, soil structure and further soil properties were examined in the vicinity of the city of Tyumen, Russia. Arable and non‐arable sites were compared by means of the soil fingerprint code (SFC). With SFC the soil surface conditions, chemical and physical parameters of the topsoil were recorded and evaluated in two depths: 0–5 cm and 5–30 cm. The suitability of the SFC to quantify changes of the soil structure of the topsoil was tested. The SFCs of arable and non‐arable sites show that soil structure deteriorates due to arable use. The percentage of granular aggregates decreases and the percentage of subangular blocky and angular blocky aggregates increases. Furthermore, ploughing leads to strong clod formation. Differences in soil structure between 0–5 cm and 5–30 cm soil depth were smaller at arable sites in comparison to non‐arable sites. It was ascertained the SFC is suitable to quantify changes of the soil structure.
Effects of early mycorrhization and colonized root length on low‐soil‐phosphorus resistance of West African pearl millet
Authors: Beggi Francesca , Hamidou Falalou , Hash C. Tom , Buerkert Andreas
Published: June 2016

Phosphorus (P) deficiency at early seedling stages is a critical determinant for survival and final yield of pearl millet in multi‐stress Sahelian environments. Longer roots and colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance P uptake and crop performance of millet. Assessing the genotypic variation of early mycorrhization and its effect on plant growth is necessary to better understand mechanisms of resistance to low soil P and to use them in breeding strategies for low P. Therefore, in this study, eight pearl millet varieties contrasting in low‐P resistance were grown in pots under low P (no additional P supply) and high P (+ 0.4 g P pot−1) conditions, and harvested 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after sowing (WAS). Root length was calculated 2 WAS by scanning of dissected roots and evaluation with WinRhizo software. AM infection (%) and P uptake (shoot P concentration multiplied per shoot dry matter) were measured at each harvest. Across harvests under low P (3.3 mg Bray P kg−1), resistant genotypes had greater total root length infected with AMF (837 m), higher percentage of AMF colonization (11.6%), and increased P uptake (69.4 mg P plant−1) than sensitive genotypes (177 m, 7.1% colonization and 46.4 mg P plant−1, respectively). Two WAS, resistant genotypes were infected almost twice as much as sensitive ones (4.1% and 2.1%) and the individual resistant genotypes differed in the percentage of AMF infection. AMF colonization was positively related to final dry matter production in pots, which corresponded to field performance. Early mycorrhization enhanced P uptake in pearl millet grown under P‐deficient conditions, with the genotypic variation for this parameter allowing selection for better performance under field conditions.
Can liming reduce barium uptake by agricultural plants grown on sandy soil?
Authors: Myrvang Mona B. , Bleken Marina A. , Krogstad Tore , Heim Michael , Gjengedal Elin
Published: June 2016

Uptake of barium (Ba) from soil by vascular plants varies among species. Despite the toxicity of soluble Ba compounds to plants, research on mechanisms controlling Ba uptake from natural soils is scarce. This study investigated the treatment effect of lime (CaCO3) added to a sandy soil containing a total of 500 mg Ba kg−1 on uptake and interspecies distribution of Ba in legumes and other cultivated food and feed plants. Nine species of grasses, vegetables, herbs, and legumes were cultivated under controlled conditions in a greenhouse experiment. The plants were harvested at maturity or flowering, dried, milled, and digested with nitric acid using the microwave technique prior to ICP‐MS analysis. All plant species acquired Ba from the soil in considerable amounts, probably due to low Ba adsorption potential of the sandy soil. Shoot tissue concentrations ranged from about 100 (grass) to 600 mg Ba kg−1 (legume) and root concentrations from about 100 (tuber vegetable) to 700 mg kg−1 (legume). Vicia cracca L. (bird vetch) showed an accumulation capacity due to high shoot concentrations of Ba compared to the other species. Higher yield accompanied by a potential dilution effect can partly explain why Trifolium repens L. (white clover), Pisum sativum ssp. arvénse L. (gray pea) and Hordeum vulgare L. (barley) did not display the highest Ba concentrations, but showed the highest Ba uptake from soil. High plant uptake of calcium (Ca) also seemed to enhance Ba uptake, by legumes in particular. However, liming reduced shoot Ba concentrations, particularly of species with low affinity for Ca. The risk of Ba accumulation thus raises toxicity concerns when forage legumes are cultivated in soils containing elevated concentrations of Ba.
Relationships between tinnitus and the prevalence of anxiety and depression
Authors: Bhatt Jay M. , Bhattacharyya Neil , Lin Harrison W.
Published: June 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Quantify the relationships between tinnitus, and anxiety and depression among adults.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a national health survey.

Methods

Adult respondents in the 2007 Integrated Health Interview Series tinnitus module were analyzed. Data for tinnitus symptoms and severity and reported anxiety and depression symptoms were extracted. Associations between tinnitus problems and anxiety, depression, lost workdays, days of alcohol consumption, and mean hours of sleep were assessed.

Results

Among 21.4 ± 0.69 million adult tinnitus sufferers, 26.1% reported problems with anxiety in the preceding 12 months, whereas only 9.2% of those without tinnitus reported an anxiety problem (P < .001). Similarly, 25.6% of respondents with tinnitus reported problems with depression, whereas only 9.1% of those without tinnitus reported depression symptoms (P < .001). Those reporting tinnitus symptoms as a “big” or “very big” problem were more likely to concurrently report anxiety (odds ratio [OR]: 5.7; 95% CI: 4.0‐8.1; P < .001) and depression (OR: 4.8; 95% CI: 3.5‐6.7; P < .001) symptoms. Tinnitus sufferers reported significantly fewer mean hours of sleep per night (7.00 vs. 7.21; P < .001) and greater mean days of work missed (6.94 vs. 3.79, P < .001) compared to those who did not report tinnitus. Mean days of alcohol consumption between the two groups were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Tinnitus symptoms are closely associated with anxiety, depression, shorter sleep duration, and greater workdays missed. These comorbidities and sequelae should be recognized and addressed to optimally manage patients with chronic and bothersome tinnitus.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2016 127:466–469, 2017
Not so different after all: Malaysian researchers' cross‐discipline view of quality and trustworthiness in citation practices
Authors: Abrizah Abdullah , Nicholas David , Noorhidawati Abdullah , Aspura M. K. Yanti Idaya , Badawi Fathiah
Published: June 2016

This paper reports a survey on citation behaviour of Malaysian researchers. It is part of a wider study gauging quality and trustworthiness in scholarly communication in the emerging digital environment. The survey questionnaire was distributed between 1 October 2014 and 31 January 2015. A total of 391 respondents, from four research areas (humanities, life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences) completed the questionnaire. The finding indicated that motivations for citing were complex and multi‐faceted, but in all four disciplines, researchers cite a work because they regard it as an authoritative and trustworthy source, which provides a context or building block to their own research. Although researchers have moved from a print‐based system to a digital one, it has not significantly changed the way they decide what to trust. Peer reviewed journals are still the most influential. Open access journals will be cited if they have been peer reviewed. Citing on the basis of high altmetrics and other social judgements, such as mentions, likes, and use, was not prevalent. Measures of establishing trust and authority do not seem to have changed profoundly in Malaysia.
1H DOSY NMR Determination of the Molecular Weight and the Solution Properties of Poly(N‐acryloylmorpholine) in Various Solvents
Authors: Chamignon Cécile , Duret Damien , Charreyre Marie‐Thérèse , Favier Arnaud
Published: June 2016

1H DOSY NMR provides a simple and convenient method to determine both the molecular weight and the solution properties of poly(N‐acryloylmorpholine) (PNAM) in various organic and aqueous solvents. This technique is used to measure the average diffusion coefficient DPNAM of a library of PNAM samples of increasing molecular weights synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer controlled radical polymerization. In all solvents, the highly linear relationship between Log DPNAM and Log Mw yields calibration curves that can be used for the reliable determination of the molecular weight of various types of PNAM samples. In addition, the slope of the calibration curves can be considered as the Flory exponent δ characterizing the solvent–polymer interaction. The measurements show that CDCl3 and D2O are theta solvents for PNAM and that δ slightly decreases in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), pH 7.4, and upon addition of MeOD in D2O.

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Emulsion Inks for 3D Printing of High Porosity Materials
Authors: Sears Nicholas A. , Dhavalikar Prachi S. , Cosgriff‐Hernandez Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2016

Photocurable emulsion inks for use with solid freeform fabrication (SFF) to generate constructs with hierarchical porosity are presented. A high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templating technique was utilized to prepare water‐in‐oil emulsions from a hydrophobic photopolymer, surfactant, and water. These HIPEs displayed strong shear thinning behavior that permitted layer‐by‐layer deposition into complex shapes and adequately high viscosity at low shear for shape retention after extrusion. Each layer was actively polymerized with an ultraviolet cure‐on‐dispense (CoD) technique and compositions with sufficient viscosity were able to produce tall, complex scaffolds with an internal lattice structure and microscale porosity. Evaluation of the rheological and cure properties indicated that the viscosity and cure rate both played an important role in print fidelity. These 3D printed polyHIPE constructs benefit from the tunable pore structure of emulsion templated material and the designed architecture of 3D printing. As such, these emulsion inks can be used to create ultra high porosity constructs with complex geometries and internal lattice structures not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques.

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Litigation as a Strategy to Overcome Monopolistic Inefficiency in Sports
Authors: Ross S. F.
Published: June 2016

Prior work has identified welfare problems with monopoly sports leagues that are not governed by a residual claimant: In addition to standard effects of allocative and distribute inefficiency, these leagues often reach sub‐optimal results because of bargaining costs and information problems that distort the results because of a governance structure reflecting parochial stakeholder interests. This paper hypothesizes that leading sports law cases can be viewed as strategic attempts to overcome information and bargaining costs to improve upon sub‐optimal league decisions and facilitate efficient ones. A case study approach is used to identify different ways in which litigation can be used in this manner. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Virtual Screening Study for Lactate Dehydrogenase 5 Inhibitors by Using a Pharmacophore‐based Approach
Authors: Tuccinardi Tiziano , Poli Giulio , Corchia Isacco , Granchi Carlotta , Lapillo Margherita , Macchia Marco , Minutolo Filippo , Ortore Gabriella , Martinelli Adriano
Published: June 2016

Inhibitors of human lactate dehydrogenase 5 (hLDH5) are promising therapeutic agents against cancer. This enzyme is generally found to be overexpressed in most invasive cancer cells and is linked to their vitality especially under hypoxic conditions. In this study, with the aim of identifying new hLDH5 inhibitors, a receptor‐based pharmacophore modeling approach has been tested and, in order to verify the reliability of the reported approach, the Gold and Platinum database from Asinex were filtered. The top‐ranked compounds were experimentally tested for their hLDH5 inhibition activity and enzymatic assays revealed that, among the ten selected compounds, two proved to inhibit the enzyme activity with Ki values in the micromolar range (Ki=33.1–76.7 μM).
Training at non‐damaging intensities facilitates recovery from muscle atrophy
Authors: Itoh Yuta , Murakami Taro , Mori Tomohiro , Agata Nobuhide , Kimura Nahoko , Inoue‐Miyazu Masumi , Hayakawa Kimihide , Hirano Takayuki , Sokabe Masahiro , Kawakami Keisuke
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Resistance training promotes recovery from muscle atrophy, but optimum training programs have not been established. We aimed to determine the optimum training intensity for muscle atrophy. Methods: Mice recovering from atrophied muscles after 2 weeks of tail suspension underwent repeated isometric training with varying joint torques 50 times per day. Results: Muscle recovery assessed by maximal isometric contraction and myofiber cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) were facilitated at 40% and 60% maximum contraction strength (MC), but at not at 10% and 90% MC. At 60% and 90% MC, damaged and contained smaller diameter fibers were observed. Activation of myogenic satellite cells and a marked increase in myonuclei were observed at 40%, 60%, and 90% MC. Conclusions: The increases in myofiber CSAs were likely caused by increased myonuclei formed through fusion of resistance‐induced myofibers with myogenic satellite cells. These data indicate that resistance training without muscle damage facilitates efficient recovery from atrophy. Muscle Nerve 55: 243–253, 2017
Oncotargets GD2 and GD3 are highly expressed in sarcomas of children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Dobrenkov Konstantin , Ostrovnaya Irina , Gu Jessie , Cheung Irene Y. , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: June 2016

Background

GD2 and GD3 are the tumor‐associated glycolipid antigens found in a broad spectrum of human cancers. GD2‐specific antibody is currently a standard of care for high‐risk neuroblastoma therapy. In this study, the pattern of GD2 and GD3 expression among pediatric/adolescent or young adult tumors was determined, providing companion diagnostics for targeted therapy.

Methods

Ninety‐two specimens of human osteosarcoma (OS), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), Ewing family of tumors, desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), and melanoma were analyzed for GD2/GD3 expression by immunohistochemistry. Murine monoclonal antibody 3F8 was used for GD2 staining, and R24 for GD3. Staining was scored according to both intensity and percentage of positive tumor cells from 0 to 4.

Results

Both gangliosides were highly prevalent in OS and melanoma. Among other tumors, GD3 expression was higher than GD2 expression. Most OS samples demonstrated strong staining for GD2 and GD3, whereas expression for other tumors was highly variable. Mean intensity of GD2 expression was significantly more heterogeneous (P < 0.001) when compared to GD3 across tumor types. When assessing the difference between GD2 and GD3 expression in all tumor types combined, GD3 expression had a significantly higher score (P = 0.049). When analyzed within each cancer, GD3 expression was significantly higher only in DSRCT (P = 0.002). There was no statistical difference in either GD2 or GD3 expression between primary and recurrent sarcomas.

Conclusion

GD2/GD3 expression among pediatric solid tumors is common, albeit with variable level of expression. Especially for patients with sarcoma, these gangliosides can be potential targets for antibody‐based therapies.
Unusual serological findings associated with ceftriaxone‐induced immune hemolytic anemia in a child with disseminated low‐grade glioma
Authors: Pecker L. H. , Timsar A. , Pary P. P. , Denomme G. A. , Criss V. R. , Luban N. L. C. , Hwang E. I. , Wong E. C. C.
Published: June 2016

Ceftriaxone‐induced immune hemolytic anemia (CIHA) is the second most common cause of drug‐induced hemolytic anemia. Prompt recognition of this drug reaction is essential because brisk hemolysis can be deadly. The extent to which ceftriaxone antibodies persist after CIHA is unknown; rechallenging patients who have experienced CIHA is not recommended. We report a case of CIHA in a neurooncology patient, which is the first to show anticeftriaxone antibodies with Rh specificity and persisted for 8 months after the drug reaction. These findings have implications for understanding the mechanism of CIHA.
Tailored hydrolytically stable polyacid gels based on curable poly(acrylic acid)s and bisacrylamides
Authors: Lampe Ulrich , Maier Maximilian , Klee Joachim E , Ritter Helmut
Published: June 2016

Poly(acrylic acid)s (PAAs) with curable methacrylamide moieties as well as bisacrylamide crosslinkers are described as components for well‐defined hydrogels with increased hydrolytic resistance. PAAs with tethered curing moieties of different alkyl spacer lengths (−(CH2)n−, n = 2, 3, 6 or 8) were prepared via copolymerization of one‐sided methacrylated diamines with protected acrylic acid, followed by polymer‐analogous methacrylation and deprotection. Bisacrylamide crosslinkers were synthesized by acrylation of diamines with different cores and N‐substitutes like allyl, cyclopropyl or propyl groups. Both components were subsequently combined for the formation of novel amide based hydrogels. Network densities of the obtained gels were elucidated by rheokinetic investigations. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of supportive‐expressive discussion groups on loneliness, hope and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a randomized control trial
Authors: Tabrizi Fatemeh Moghaddam , Radfar Moloud , Taei Zeynab
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Evaluation of the effect of supportive expressive discussion groups on loneliness, hope and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A randomized control trial including breast cancer patients who had completed chemotherapy and randomly allocated into two groups: intervention (n = 41) and control (n = 40). The intervention consisted of twelve weekly 90‐min sessions for groups of six to eight breast cancer survivors. Data were obtained pre‐to ‐post the intervention and at 8‐week follow‐up. The data were analyzed using a repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The findings revealed a significant reduction in loneliness scores (F = 69.85, p < 0.001), promotion in total hope (F = 20.8, p < 0.05) and enhancement in quality of life from pre‐ to post‐intervention, and then over the 8‐week follow‐up period in the intervention group, while scores of control participants did not show this pattern during the study. The strongest effects were found for global quality of life (effect size) = 0.59), for future perspectives (effect size = 0.51), emotional functioning (effect size = 0.35) and social functioning (effect size = 0.31).

Conclusion

The intervention was effective on loneliness, hope and quality of life in the intervention group. The intervention needs further evaluation in a larger study and with other cancer types. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deformation analysis of reinforced‐core auxetic assemblies by close‐range photogrammetry
Authors: Shufrin Igor , Pasternak Elena , Dyskin Arcady V.
Published: June 2016

In this article, we present an experimental study validating the concept of the reinforced‐core auxetic assemblies. The main distinctive feature of these assemblies is the presence of a reinforcing core in the microstructural units that increases the shear stiffness and thus produces negative Poisson's ratio. We tested a number of prototypes manufactured using the stereolithography and selective laser sintering methods. To measure the deformations, we employed the close‐range photogrammetry method, which enables monitoring of locations of unlimited number of points from digital images. We developed a procedure for multi‐point measurement of planar deformations using a single digital camera. This procedure allows for continuous measurement of deformations without interruption to the loading sequence. Camera self‐calibration is based on multiple images of stable reference points, which enables high accuracy of the measurements even using a consumer grade digital camera. We compare the obtained experimental results with a simplified continuum model. We demonstrate a good agreement between the theoretical predictions and the experimental results.
Effects of a Continuous Care Model on Patients’ Knowledge and Health-Related Quality of Life in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sahebalzamani Mohammad , Farahani Hojjatollah , Jamarani Mojgan Tabatabaee , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Moradi Kamran , Paragomi Pedram
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying the continuous care model (CCM) on the knowledge level and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their perceptions of family awareness about the disease.

Design:

The Continuous Care Model (CCM) was implemented for 3 months on 34 SLE patients, in a pretest–posttest quasiexperimental design.

Methods:

Two sets of questionnaires were designed for knowledge assessment. HRQoL was assessed by SF-36 questionnaires. Analysis was by pairedttest and one-way ANOVA.

Findings:

The continuous care model significantly improved patients’ knowledge level and their perceptions of their family members’ awareness of their disease. HRQoL status in SLE patients was poorer than the general population in six of eight SF-36 scales (p< .05), except for Bodily Pain and Mental Health. Postintervention scores showed improvement in six SF-36 scales (p< .001), except for Bodily Pain and Social Functioning.

Conclusions:

Our results underlined the advantages of applying the CCM as a comprehensive method of self-care in SLE.

Clinical Relevance:

Despite many improvements in SLE care, the patients’ quality of life is still much affected by SLE. Implementation of the CCM could lead to improvement in the knowledge and HRQoL of SLE patients.
Brain early infarct detection using gamma correction extreme‐level eliminating with weighting distribution
Authors: Teh V. , Sim K. S. , Wong E. K.
Published: June 2016

According to the statistic from World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is one of the major causes of death globally. Computed tomography (CT) scan is one of the main medical diagnosis system used for diagnosis of ischemic stroke. CT scan provides brain images in Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) format. The presentation of CT brain images is mainly relied on the window setting (window center and window width), which converts an image from DICOM format into normal grayscale format. Nevertheless, the ordinary window parameter could not deliver a proper contrast on CT brain images for ischemic stroke detection. In this paper, a new proposed method namely gamma correction extreme‐level eliminating with weighting distribution (GCELEWD) is implemented to improve the contrast on CT brain images. GCELEWD is capable of highlighting the hypodense region for diagnosis of ischemic stroke. The performance of this new proposed technique, GCELEWD, is compared with four of the existing contrast enhancement technique such as brightness preserving bi‐histogram equalization (BBHE), dualistic sub‐image histogram equalization (DSIHE), extreme‐level eliminating histogram equalization (ELEHE), and adaptive gamma correction with weighting distribution (AGCWD). GCELEWD shows better visualization for ischemic stroke detection and higher values with image quality assessment (IQA) module. SCANNING 38:842–856, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of mRNA structure in bacterial translational regulation
Authors: Meyer Michelle M.
Published: June 2016

The characteristics of bacterial messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that influence translation efficiency provide many convenient handles for regulation of gene expression, especially when coupled with the processes of transcription termination and mRNA degradation. An mRNA's structure, especially near the site of initiation, has profound consequences for how readily it is translated. This property allows bacterial gene expression to be altered by changes to mRNA structure induced by temperature, or interactions with a wide variety of cellular components including small molecules, other RNAs (such as sRNAs and tRNAs), and RNA‐binding proteins. This review discusses the links between mRNA structure and translation efficiency, and how mRNA structure is manipulated by conditions and signals within the cell to regulate gene expression. The range of RNA regulators discussed follows a continuum from very complex tertiary structures such as riboswitch aptamers and ribosomal protein‐binding sites to thermosensors and mRNA:sRNA interactions that involve only base‐pairing interactions. Furthermore, the high degrees of diversity observed for both mRNA structures and the mechanisms by which inhibition of translation occur have significant consequences for understanding the evolution of bacterial translational regulation. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1370. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1370

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution

Translation > Translation Mechanisms
Detonation Properties of High Explosives Containing Ammonia Borane
Authors: Bi Xiaolu , Liu Jiping
Published: June 2016

Ammonia borane (AB) is used as a combustion agent to improve the properties of high explosives. The detonation velocity (Dv) and detonation pressure (P) of raw high explosives and of samples containing AB were calculated and compared. The detonation properties, impact sensitivities, thermal sensitivities, and thermal decomposition characteristics of high explosives containing AB were also measured. The results indicated that when the AB content was 20 wt‐%, the optimal detonation velocity and detonation pressure were achieved. Both the detonation velocity and detonation pressure of the high explosives containing AB were clearly increased compared with those of the raw high explosives. Moreover, the detonation velocities of high explosives containing AB were 7078 to 7423 m·s–1 and their density ranged from 1.570 to 1.589 g·cm–3. The detonation pressure ranged from 34.5 to 37 GPa and the average heat of detonation was 6688 J·g–1. Furthermore, the impact and thermal sensitivities were 170 cm and 613 K, respectively, whereas a slight change occurred in the thermal decomposition characteristics. These results suggest that AB can serve as a powerful combustible agent in energetic materials and improve the detonation properties and sensitivities of high explosives.
Novel Haptic Device Using Jamming Principle for Providing Kinaesthetic Feedback in Glove-Based Control Interface
Authors: Zubrycki Igor , Granosik Grzegorz
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a new type of wearable haptic device which can augment a sensor glove in various tasks of telemanipulation. We present the details of its two alternative designs jamming tubes or jamming pads, and their control system. These devices use the jamming phenomena to change the stiffness of their elements and block the hand movement when a vacuum is applied. We present results of our experiments to measure static and dynamic changes in stiffness, which can be used to change the perception of grabbing hard or soft objects. The device, at its current state is capable of resisting forces of up to 7 N with 5 mm displacement and can simulate hardness up to the hardness of a rubber. However, time necessary for a complete change of stiffness is high (time constant 0.5 s); therefore, additional cutaneous interface was added in a form of small vibration motors. Finally, we show an application of the haptic interface in our teleoperation system to provide the operator with haptic feedback in a light weight and simple form.
Effect of Public Deliberation on Attitudes toward Return of Secondary Results in Genomic Sequencing
Authors: Gornick Michele C. , Scherer Aaron M. , Sutton Erica J. , Ryan Kerry A. , Exe Nicole L. , Li Ming , Uhlmann Wendy R. , Kim Scott Y.H. , Roberts J. Scott , De Vries Raymond G.
Published: June 2016

The increased use of genomic sequencing in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics makes imperative the development of guidelines and policies about how to handle secondary findings. For reasons both practical and ethical, the creation of these guidelines must take into consideration the informed opinions of the lay public. As part of a larger Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research (CSER) consortium project, we organized a deliberative democracy (DD) session that engaged 66 participants in dialogue about the benefits and risks associated with the return of secondary findings from clinical genomic sequencing. Participants were educated about the scientific and ethical aspects of the disclosure of secondary findings by experts in medical genetics and bioethics, and then engaged in facilitated discussion of policy options for the disclosure of three types of secondary findings: 1) medically actionable results; 2) adult onset disorders found in children; and 3) carrier status. Participants’ opinions were collected via surveys administered one month before, immediately following, and one month after the DD session. Post DD session, participants were significantly more willing to support policies that do not allow access to secondary findings related to adult onset conditions in children (Χ2 (2, N = 62) = 13.300, p = 0.001) or carrier status (Χ2 (2, N = 60) = 11.375, p = 0.003). After one month, the level of support for the policy denying access to secondary findings regarding adult‐onset conditions remained significantly higher than the pre‐DD level, although less than immediately post‐DD (Χ2 (1, N = 60) = 2.465, p = 0.041). Our findings suggest that education and deliberation enhance public appreciation of the scientific and ethical complexities of genome sequencing.
Study of the Effects of LAS and Zein Concentrations on Protein Solubilization
Authors: Cohen Leon , Sanchez Elsa , Martin Mariluz , Soto Fernando , Trujillo Francisco
Published: June 2016

The effects of both linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and zein protein concentrations on protein solubilization were investigated to better understand the influence of increasing concentration of the surfactant on protein denaturation and skin irritation. Different methods have been used for the determination of the amount of protein dissolved. A wide range of LAS concentrations and zein amounts were used. The results confirm that protein solubilization increases with LAS concentration increase and demonstrate that a minimum LAS/Zein ratio exists for all the zein to be dissolved.
An analytical study on bistability of Fabry-Perot semiconductor optical amplifiers
Authors: Wang Gang , Chen Shuqiang , Yang Huajun
Published: June 2016

Optical bistabilities have been considered to be useful for sensor applications. As a typical nonlinear device, Fabry-Perot semiconductor optical amplifiers (FPSOAs) exhibit bistability under certain conditions. In this paper, the bistable characteristics in FPSOAs are investigated theoretically. Based on Adams’s relationship between the incident optical intensity I
in and the z-independent average intracavity intensity I
av, an analytical expression of the bistable loop width in SOAs is derived. Numerical simulations confirm the accuracy of the analytical result.
International evidence on Islamic equity fund characteristics and performance persistence
Authors: Makni Rania , Benouda Olfa , Delhoumi Ezzedine
Published: June 2016

This research examines the presence of performance persistence and the impact of fund‐specific characteristics on Islamic equity fund (IEF) performance. We conduct an empirical study based on an extensive Database of 301 IEFs and for the period 1999–2013. Our results reveal that fund age, family size and management fees have a significant positive impact on IEF performance. On the other hand, other characteristics such as flows, minimum investment size, higher liquidity, and load fees have negative effect on fund performance, whereas fund size has no significant impact on IEF performance. Our study reveals that Islamic equity funds exhibit negative performance persistence. The paper provides relevant practical implications for managers, analysts and investors. To our knowledge, this empirical study is the first to investigate the intrinsic determinants of Islamic equity fund performance, with sufficient statistical power that is based on an effective sample size with international diversity.
Modeling of technological performance trends using design theory
Authors: Basnet Subarna , Magee Christopher L.
Published: June 2016

Functional technical performance usually follows an exponential dependence on time but the rate of change (the exponent) varies greatly among technological domains. This paper presents a simple model that provides an explanatory foundation for these phenomena based upon the inventive design process. The model assumes that invention – novel and useful design – arises through probabilistic analogical transfers that combine existing knowledge by combining existing individual operational ideas to arrive at new individual operating ideas. The continuing production of individual operating ideas relies upon injection of newbasicindividual operating ideas that occurs through coupling of science and technology simulations. The individual operational ideas that result from this process are then modeled as being assimilated in components of artifacts characteristic of a technological domain. According to the model, two effects (differences in interactions among components for different domains and differences in scaling laws for different domains) account for the differences found in improvement rates among domains whereas the analogical transfer process is the source of the exponential behavior. The model is supported by a number of known empirical facts: further empirical research is suggested to independently assess further predictions made by the model.