bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanofiltration/Reverse Osmosis as Pretreatment Technique for Water Reuse: Ultrafiltration Versus Tertiary Membrane Reactor
Authors: Díaz Oliver , González Enrique , Vera Luisa , Porlán Laura , Rodríguez‐Sevilla Juan , Afonso‐Olivares Cristina , Sosa‐Ferrera Zoraida , Santana‐Rodríguez José Juan
Published: February 2017

The potential for nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) in secondary effluent reclamation is noteworthy, but both processes require extensive pre‐treatment to prevent membrane fouling and promote system longevity. In this study, performance of direct ultrafiltration (UF) and tertiary membrane bioreactors (tMBRs) as feed pre‐treatments were assessed on a pilot scale. Both technologies achieved high organic matter removal (87 and 93% for UF and tMBR, respectively). Differences in efficiencies were related to suspended biomass in the tMBR, which enhanced degradation of the dissolved organic substances (<5 mg/L) and also stabilized process performance by minimizing residual fouling. Whichever pre‐treatment was applied, RO reached higher rejection coefficients and low fouling levels. Nevertheless, lower normalized flux (12%) was achieved when the UF effluent was fed due to high concentration of organic substances. Membrane autopsies by scanning electron microscopy with dispersive X‐ray and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy revealed that organic fouling appears to be predominant on both NF/RO membranes. The main organic foulants identified were polysaccharides and proteins. Inorganic foulants mainly consisted of calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Complete removal of pharmaceutical active compounds was observed for RO, while NF presented moderate retention coefficients (94, 85, 70, and 27% for atenolol, paraxanthine, caffeine and clofibric acid, respectively).
Discovery of Cdc25A Lead Inhibitors with a Novel Chemotype by Virtual Screening: Application of Pharmacophore Modeling Based on a Training Set with a Limited Number of Unique Components
Authors: Ge Yu‐Shu , Han Qian‐Qian , Duan Wenxiu , Zhang Jia‐Qi , Chen Kai , Wan Jia‐Jia , Liu Yi , Liu Dan
Published: February 2017

Cdc25 phosphatase was studied as an attractive target for cancer therapy. Multiple pharmacophore models with the unique core features of classic quinone inhibitors and those of novel inhibitors were used to discover a novel lead inhibitor. A total of 21 compounds with qualified physical properties were screened from the Maybridge HitFinder database containing 14 400 compounds by pharmacophore models. Four compounds were found to inhibit Cdc25A activity by more than 50 % at a concentration of 100 μm. Among these compounds, KM10389 (N‐{2‐[(furan‐2‐ylmethyl)thio]ethyl}‐2‐[(4‐hydroxy‐6‐propylpyrimidin‐2‐yl)thio]acetamide) showed high inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 7.9 μm. Selective cytotoxicity toward HeLa cells was observed with an IC50 value of 66.3 μm, whereas the IC50 value for HEK293 cells was higher than 100 μm. Blocking of the G1/S transition was also observed for HeLa cells in the presence of the compound by increasing the G1 phase by 16.15 %. Together with compounds HTS02435 and HTS01205, a novel lead inhibitor structure was identified and analyzed by a molecular docking study. The implication of virtual screening by using different pharmacophore models representing the different features is fully discussed.
Systematic Molecular Design of Ketone Derivatives of Aromatic Molecules for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: First‐Principles DFT Modeling
Authors: Park Jong Hoo , Liu Tianyuan , Kim Ki Chul , Lee Seung Woo , Jang Seung Soon
Published: February 2017

The thermodynamic and electrochemical redox properties for a set of ketone derivatives of phenalenyl and anthracene have been investigated to assess their potential application for positive electrode materials in rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. Using first‐principles DFT, it was found that 1) the thermodynamic stabilities of ketone derivatives are strongly dependent on the distribution of the carbonyl groups and 2) the redox potential is increased when increasing the number of the incorporated carbonyl groups. The highest values are 3.93 V versus Li/Li+ for the phenalenyl derivatives and 3.82 V versus Li/Li+ for the anthracene derivatives. It is further highlighted that the redox potential of an organic molecule is also strongly correlated with its spin state in the thermodynamically stable form.
A Very Simple Synthesis of Annelated λ3‐ and λ5‐Phosphanaphthalenes
Authors: Zhang Lujun , Yang Feichao , Tao Guanyu , Qiu Liqi , Duan Zheng , Mathey François
Published: February 2017

ortho‐Phosphinobenzonitriles (or thieno, pyridino analogues) react with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate between –78 °C and room temperature to give annelated λ5‐phosphanaphthalenes. Interesting variations of the fluorescence properties are observed when the R substituents at P are alkyl or aryl. When R = tBu, the thermolysis of the product affords the corresponding trivalent phosphanaphthalene.
Crystal Structures and Spin‐Crossover Behavior of Iron(II) Complexes with Chiral and Racemic Ligands
Authors: Sekimoto Yusuke , Karim Mohammad Razaul , Saigo Naoto , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Hayami Shinya
Published: February 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Shinya Hayami at Kumamoto University, Japan. The cover image shows a Japanese New Year’s card symbolizing the dawn of a new era for chiral magnetism. Mt. Aso, which is the symbol of Kumamoto, was chosen for the background.
Fish short-term reproduction assay with atrazine and the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Hosmer Alan J. , Schneider Suzanne Z. , Anderson Julie C. , Knopper Loren D. , Brain Richard A.
Published: February 2017

Breeding groups of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were exposed to atrazine at measured concentrations of 0.6, 5.5, and 53 μg/L for 35 d. Evaluated endpoints included survival, fecundity, fertility, growth (weight and length), behavior, secondary sex characteristics (anal fin papillae), gonad histopathology, and hepatic vitellogenin. No statistically significant effects of atrazine exposure on survival and growth of medaka were noted during the test, and mean survival was ≥97.5% in all treatment groups on day 35. No significant effects of atrazine exposure on reproduction were observed. The number of mean cumulative eggs produced in the negative control and the 0.6, 5.5, and 53 μg/L treatment groups was 7158, 6691, 6883, and 6856, respectively. The mean number of eggs per female reproductive day was 40.9, 38.2, 40.2, and 39.2, respectively. There were also no dose-dependent effects on mean anal fin papillae counts among male fish or expression of vtg-II in males or females. In addition, atrazine exposure was not related to the developmental stage of test fish, with testes stages ranging from 2 to 3 in all groups and ovaries ranging from stage 2 to 2.5. Overall, exposure to atrazine up to 53 µg/L for 35 d did not result in significant, treatment-related effects on measured endpoints related to survival, growth, or reproduction in Japanese medaka. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2327–2334. © 2017 SETAC
Geometric Modeling of Infiltrated Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes with Directional Backbones
Authors: Tafazoli M. , Shakeri M. , Baniassadi M. , Babaei A.
Published: February 2017

Solid oxide fuel cell electrodes with directional properties have shown their potential to get the maximum electrochemical reaction sites, gas diffusivity and ionic conductivity, simultaneously. New manufacturing methods, like freeze type casting, have used to make this kind on electrodes. In this work, the effect of backbone directional behavior in infiltrated solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was simulated. A series of directional backbones were generated by a statistical method and analyzed in regard of available active surface density and phase tortuosity. Different amount of electrocatalyst particles virtually deposited on the surface of those scaffolds. Some geometric parameters like triple phase boundary (TPB) density, active surface density of particles and the pore tortuosity were extracted from those realized models. The simulations showed that the optimum amount of infiltration to get the maximum TPB density or active surface density of impregnated particles can be varied depend on the porosity and geometric anisotropy of scaffolds. Being directional in backbones, normal to the electrolyte, has a positive effect on active electrochemical sites especially active surface density of deposited particles. Also it can improve the gas transport even in low porosity microstructures, but adding electrocatalyst particles may increase the pore tortuosity considerably. Accordingly, directional backbones have the potential of increasing the performance of infiltrated electrodes via adding electrochemical sites and gas diffusivity.
A Bivariate High‐Frequency‐Based Volatility Model for Optimal Futures Hedging
Authors: Lai Yu‐Sheng , Lien Donald
Published: February 2017

This study examines the usefulness of high‐frequency data for estimating hedge ratios for different hedging horizons. By jointly modeling the returns and conditional expectation of the covariation, the multivariate high‐frequency‐based volatility (HEAVY) model generates spot‐futures distributions over longer horizons. Using the data on international equity index futures, performance comparisons between HEAVY and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) hedge ratios indicate that HEAVY hedge ratios perform more effectively than GARCH hedge ratios at shorter hedging horizons. This implies that the distinct properties of short‐time response and short‐run momentum effects revealed in the HEAVY model are vital for hedge ratio estimation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:913–929, 2017
How the Natural Gas Industry Became What It Is Today
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: February 2017

In many of the discussions I have had among both gas and electric advocates and policy makers regarding the function and business practices of interstate gas pipelines, it has become increasingly clear that many in both industries do not know how today's gas industry became today's industry. That makes sense. It has been 24 years since the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) put into place the industry model we have today. To attempt to address this lack of knowledge, it is time for a brief history lesson. This history lesson is important for anyone participating in, or affected by, the US natural gas industry, which is pretty much everyone in the United States.
Bioinspired, Mechano‐Regulated Interfaces for Rationally Designed, Dynamically Controlled Collection of Oil Spills from Water
Authors: Li Yaoyao , Zhu Deyong , Handschuh‐Wang Stephan , Lv Guanghui , Wang Jiahui , Li Tianzhen , Chen Cancheng , He Chuanxin , Zhang Junmin , Liu Yizhen , Yang Bo , Zhou Xuechang
Published: February 2017

This study describes the fabrication of bioinspired mechano‐regulated interfaces (MRI) for the separation and collection of oil spills from water. The MRI consists of 3D‐interconnected, microporous structures of sponges made of ultrasoft elastomers (Ecoflex). To validate the MRI strategy, ecoflex sponges are first fabricated with a low‐cost sugar‐leaching method. This study then systematically investigates the absorption capacity (up to 1280% for chloroform) of the sponges to different oils and organic solvents. More importantly, the oil flux through the as‐made sponges is controlled by mechanical deformation, which increases up to ≈33‐fold by tensile strain applied to the sponge from 0 to 400%. On the basis of MRI, this study further demonstrates the application of ecoflex sponges in oil skimmers for selective collecting oil from water with high efficiency and durable recyclability. The as‐developed MRI strategy has opened a new path to allow rational design and dynamical control toward developing high performance devices for oil permeation and selective collection of oil spills from water.
Muscle fatigability and depressive symptoms in later life
Authors: Brown Patrick J. , Badreddine Dala , Roose Steven P. , Rutherford Bret , Ayonayon Hilsa N. , Yaffe Kristine , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Goodpaster Bret ,   for the Health ABC Study
Published: February 2017

Objective

Fatigability is the degree to which performance decreases during a specific activity of a given intensity and duration. Depression is known to heighten subjective fatigue, but whether its association with physical fatigability is unknown. Further, whether fatigability is a precursor or risk factor for the development of subsequent depressive symptoms is also unclear.

Methods

Data are from the Health Aging and Body Composition Study with fatigability assessed using isokinetic dynamometry of the knee extensors at year 3, and depressive symptoms ascertained longitudinally using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale. The relationship between fatigability and depressive symptoms was evaluated using linear and Cox regression models.

Results

There was a significant cross‐sectional association between fatigability and depressive symptomatology (β = −0.06, p = 0.02), after adjusting for demographic variables, medical comorbidities, cognition, gait speed, and physical activity levels. Greater fatigability was associated with greater adjusted scores on the 10‐item CES‐D (F2, 1695 = 38.65, p < 0.001), with individuals with greater fatigability on average reporting an adjusted CES‐D score 0.5 point greater than those individuals with higher levels of resistance to fatigability (mean of 70% or better; p < 0.001). Fatigability however was not associated with the development of depression at follow‐up (p = 0.828).

Conclusions

This study found an association between skeletal muscle fatigability and higher depressive symptoms in older adults, but no longitudinal association was identified. These findings suggest that age‐related changes in energy capacity may affect the phenomenology of late life depression. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of Irrigation Uniformity and Optimization of Irrigation Technical Parameters Based on the SIRMOD Model under Alternate Furrow Irrigation
Authors: Wu Di , Xue Jingyuan , Bo Xiaodong , Meng Weichao , Wu Youjie , Du Taisheng
Published: February 2017

To evaluate the irrigation distribution uniformity and optimize the suitable combination of irrigation technical parameters for alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) and conventional furrow irrigation (CFI), field experiments on maize were conducted during 2010 and 2012 at the Shiyanghe Experimental Station in the arid area of north‐west China. A surface irrigation simulation model (SIRMOD) was used to optimize the combination of irrigation technical parameters such as field slope, furrow length and inflow rate. From the distribution uniformity (DU) results calculated from measured data in field experiments, under the same kind of soil texture, using the AFI method in the field could improve irrigation distribution uniformity for 9.67, 3.16 and 3.44% under a slope 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0‰ respectively; the relative error of DU between the simulation value from SIRMOD and the calculated value from field experiment was 4.25%, which was in an acceptable range. On the other hand, combinations of irrigation technical parameters of the CFI and AFI methods were simulated using SIRMOD with the distribution uniformity being the evaluation index. For the irrigation technical parameters, field slope ranging from 0 to 3.0‰, inflow rate from 1.0 to 8.0 l s−1 and furrow length from 25 to 300 m were chosen in this paper. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological and growth responses of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells cultured on immobilized heparin and dextran sulfate surfaces
Authors: Robu Irina S. , Walters Henry L. , Matthew Howard W.T.
Published: February 2017

Heparin has shown promise as a component of various biomaterial formulations, but its variable properties and inhibitory effects on some cell types have raised interest in use of dextran sulfate as an alternative. In this study, we characterized the interactions of vascular smooth muscle (SMC) and endothelial cells (EC) with heparin and dextran sulfate immobilized onto chitosan‐based films. Films were modified by blending chitosan with type I collagen and covalently attaching heparin or dextran sulfate at various levels. Cell‐material interactions were evaluated by quantifying cell spreading, shape and proliferation rate. ECs proliferated well on chitosan, but the polymer was a mediocre substrate for SMC growth. Immobilizing heparin on chitosan further inhibited SMC proliferation. However, blending collagen reversed the heparin inhibition of SMC growth, resulting in a pro‐proliferative effect of heparin immobilized on chitosan‐collagen films. Dextran sulfate surfaces supported both SMC and EC proliferation with or without the presence of collagen. The results indicate that inhibitory effects of heparin on SMC are reversed by immobilization in the presence of collagen, and that dextran sulfate may be superior to heparin as a biomaterial additive for promoting vascular cell growth in chitosan‐based scaffolds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1725–1735, 2017.
Simple, Efficient, and Convenient One‐Pot Synthesis of Imidazole Derivatives in the Presence of Nanosilica‐supported Imidazolium Ionic Liquid as a Catalyst
Authors: Alinezhad Heshmatollah , Alinezhad Vajiheh , Mohseni Tavakkoli Sahar
Published: February 2017

An efficient and simple synthesis of 2,4,5‐trisubstituted imidazoles is achieved by three‐component cyclocondensation of benzil, aldehyde, and ammonium acetate by using nanosilica‐supported imidazolium ionic liquid as a catalyst under solvent‐free conditions. The key advantages of this process are high to excellent yields, short reaction time, easy work‐up, and the reusability of the catalyst.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Studies of Selenium Derivatives of 3,5‐Dichloropyridine
Authors: Sharma Neha , Singh Avtar , Dhau Jaspreet S.
Published: February 2017

A methodology that can be tailored to incorporate selenium at the C‐2 or C‐4 position of 3,5‐dichloropyridine (1) was developed. For this, the lithiation of 1 with and without prior boron trifluoride complexation was utilized. The use of 1.3 equiv of LDA in the reaction did not give the desired product; however, the use of 2.3 equiv of LDA successfully inserted selenium into the C─Li bond. The observed regioselectivity in these reactions has been explained in light of relative stability of the lithiated species formed in dimethyl ether solution. Quantum chemical analysis was used to calculate the deprotonation energy and pKa values and correlated with the observed regioselectivity. Theoretical analysis (B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p)) of the synthesized compounds was performed to predict the effect of structural variations on the molecular properties of pyridylselenium derivatives. Various thermodynamic parameters and HOMO‐LUMO energies in the gas and solvent phases were calculated. When compared with 1, the insertion of selenium into a pyridine moiety drastically reduces the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap, which clearly explains photochemical liability of selenium‐containing pyridine derivatives. The 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR chemical shifts were also calculated by using gauge‐including atomic orbital method, and the results were validated with the experimental data.
Sulfamic Acid Catalyzed Atom Economic, Eco‐friendly Synthesis of Novel 7‐(Aryl)‐10‐thioxo‐7,9,10,11‐tetrahedro‐6H‐pyrimido‐[5′4′:5,6]pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐6,8(5H)‐dione and its Derivatives
Authors: Jadhav Sunetra J. , Patil Reshma B. , Kumbhar Digambar R. , Patravale Ajinkya A. , Chandam Dattatraya R. , Deshmukh Madhukar B.
Published: February 2017

A series of novel 7‐(3‐chloro‐phenyl)‐10‐thioxo‐7,9,10,11‐tetrahedro‐6H‐pyrimido‐[5′4′:5,6] pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐6,8(5H)‐dione derivatives have been synthesized through the multi‐component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, barbituric acid, and 2,4‐dihydroxy quinoline, using heterogeneous sulfamic acid catalyst in water‐ethanol (4:1) solvent system under reflux condition. The present protocol is endowed with charming description such as green synthetic procedure, short reaction time, easy work‐up procedure, and excellent yield and high atom economy of pyranoquinoline derivatives. In this study, sulfamic acid is used as a heterogeneous catalyst that is easily recoverable and recyclable. The proposed multi‐component reaction has been studied with detail mechanism and spectroscopic data. This is one of the potential greener synthetic approaches to build up the series of pyranoquinoline heterocycles.
Direct Synthesis of Trichloro‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine and Thiazolo[2,3‐b]quinazoline Derivatives
Authors: Darehkordi Ali , Fazli‐Zafarani Seyed Mahdi , Kamali Mansoureh
Published: February 2017

An efficient one‐pot method for synthesis of new biologically active thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine and thiazolo[2,3‐b]quinazoline derivatives is described via reaction of pentachloropyridine with fused pyrimidine‐2(5H)‐thiones or quinazoline‐2(1H)‐thiones. These reactions were carried out in the presence of potassium carbonate as a base in acetonitrile as a solvent to produce products 3a–n in good‐to‐excellent yield. Pentachloropyridine is doubly electrophilic building blocks for the formation of ring annulated thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine and thiazolo[2,3‐b]quinazoline products.
Mutation in the S gene of hepatitis B virus and anti‐HBs subtype‐nonspecificity contributed to the co‐existence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Fu Xiaochun , Chen Jing , Chen Huijuan , Lin Jinpiao , Xun Zhen , Li Shiqi , Liu Can , Zeng Yongbin , Chen Tianbin , Yang Bin , Ou Qishui
Published: February 2017

The mechanism for the co‐existence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg (anti‐HBs) in chronic HBV infected patients remains controversial. This study aimed to explore the role of HBV S gene mutation and anti‐HBs subtype‐nonspecificity in patients with simultaneous HBsAg/anti‐HBs positivity. Chronic HBV infections with (n = 145, group I) and without (n = 141, group II) anti‐HBs were included. The S gene was amplified and sequenced. The neutralization experiment was used in group I patients’ sera to determine the specificity of anti‐HBs. Additionally, the HBV vaccinated persons’ sera were used to estimate the neutralize capacity of anti‐HBs against HBsAg in group I patients. Results showed that 2.63% (145/5513) chronic HBV infected patients had positive results for anti‐HBs. HBsAg amino acid (aa) substitution rate in 35 patients of group I was significantly higher than that in 58 patients of group II (1.89% vs 0.95%, P < 0.05), especially within “a” determinant (4.05% vs 1.22%, P < 0.05). In group I patients, anti‐HBs in (74.29%, 26/35) patients was not directed to the subtypes of the co‐existing HBsAg. Besides, some HBsAg variations in group I patients, sG145R mutation, inserted mutations, and continuous aa mutations within the major hydrophilic region (MHR), decreased the neutralized capacity of anti‐HBs from HBV vaccinated persons. In conclusion, both of HBsAg mutation and anti‐HBs subtype‐nonspecificity contributed to the co‐existence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in chronic HBV infection. HBV vaccine recipients may still have a risk of HBV infection when exposure to patients with simultaneous HBsAg/anti‐HBs positivity.
Phylogenetic characterization of circulating Dengue and Alkhumra Hemorrhagic Fever viruses in western Saudi Arabia and lack of evidence of Zika virus in the region: A retrospective study, 2010‐2015
Authors: Al‐Saeed Moneerah S. , El‐Kafrawy Sherif A. , Farraj Suha A. , Al‐Subhi Tagreed L. , Othman Norah A. , Alsultan Arwa , Ben Helaby Huda G. , Alshawdari Mustafa M. , Hassan Ahmed M. , Charrel Remi N. , Azhar Esam I. , Hashem Anwar M.
Published: February 2017

Flaviviruses represent a global public health concern. They consist of ∼70 viruses with almost half of them causing human diseases with unspecified febrile illnesses. Cities in western Saudi Arabia are endemic for viruses (DENV) with sporadic infections due to Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV). They also represent a major destination for travelers coming for annual religious pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah) from all over the world. However, whether other flaviviruses are circulating is not known because of the limited number of surveillance studies. Here, we retrospectively screened 690 samples for flaviviruses in samples from patients with unexplained febrile illnesses between 2010 and 2015 in western Saudi Arabia using a pan‐flaviviruses RT‐PCR assay. Despite Zika virus RNA was not detected, this study confirms circulation and/or sporadic spread of DENV‐2, DENV‐3, and AHFV, higher prevalence of DENV‐2, and a role for visitors from DENV endemic countries in DENV importation into the Kingdom. Further analysis also showed very low genetic diversity of AHFV confirming its slow microevolution. Accordingly, continuous and prospective surveillance for flaviviruses using such assay are warranted in Saudi Arabia which receives millions of Muslims annually to implement effective control measures in light of the global widespread and outbreaks of several flaviviruses.
Phylogenetic characteristics of HIV‐1 among travelers entering China from Myanmar: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Binhui , Liang Yaobo , Feng Yue , Dong Shuwei , Wang Yajuan , Li Yaping , Zhang A‐Mei , Liu Li , Qin Weihong , Xia Xueshan
Published: February 2017

Due to the open policy of the Chinese government, a large number of Burmese individuals enter China at land ports in Yunnan province for travel or business. However, the situation of HIV‐1 infection and its phylogenetic characteristics among these travelers remains unclear, which is a potential threat to public health. From January 2003 to December 2012, a total of 1,961 travelers were detected to be positive for HIV‐1 infection at land ports between Myanmar and Yunnan province, China. From 1153 (58.8%) Burmese of them, we randomly collected 489 serum samples for HIV‐1 subtype/recombinant analysis. Based on successfully obtained 223 gag‐RT sequences, 187 of them were genotyped as 2 subtypes and 3 CRFs. CRF01_AE was showed to be the most prevalent genotype (54.3%), followed by subtypes C (13.5%) and B (10.8%). Notably, CRF07_BC (1.3%) and CRF08_BC (4.0%) were mainly distributed in travelers from Shan state and Kachin (91.7%, 11/12), but was not found in travelers from the capital city of Yangon (0/16). Additionally, there were 36 samples (16.1%) were preliminary determined as unique recombinant forms (URFs). The higher HIV‐1 infection among entering travelers from Myanmar and its diverse and complex genotypes distribution suggest this bridge population may facilitate the transmission of HIV‐1. It is necessary to have the strict monitoring on this population for prevention of HIV‐1 cross‐border transmission.
Free microvascular rotationplasty with nerve repair for rhabdomyosarcoma in a 18‐month‐old patient
Authors: Pérez‐García Alberto , Salom Marta , Villaverde‐Doménech María Eloísa , Baixauli Francisco , Simón‐Sanz Eduardo
Published: February 2017

Rotationplasty is a limb‐sparing surgical option in lower limb malignancies. Sciatic or tibial nerve encasement has been considered an absolute contraindication to this procedure. We report a case of an 18‐month‐old girl with a rhabdomyosarcoma that affected the leg and popliteal fossa, with neurovascular involvement. Knee and proximal leg intercalary resection was performed followed by reconstruction with free microvascular rotationplasty and neurorraphy from tibial division of sciatic nerve to sural and tibial nerves, and from saphenous nerve to superficial peroneal nerve. Postoperative course was uneventful and ambulation with a provisional prosthesis was restarted during the sixth week after surgery. Bone consolidation was observed after two months. Eighteen months later, the patient had a good gait pattern with a below‐knee prosthesis and had recovered sensation in the whole foot and ankle area. This case shows that rotationplasty with nerve repair may provide a sensate stump, which is vital for successful prosthetic adaptation. We believe it may be considered as an alternative to above‐knee amputation in tumors with sciatic involvement.
Regulation of ATF1 and ATF2 transcripts by sequences in their 3′ untranslated region in cleavage‐stage cattle embryos
Authors: Orozco‐Lucero Ernesto , Dufort Isabelle , Sirard Marc‐André
Published: February 2017

The sequence of a 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of mRNA governs the timing of its polyadenylation and translation in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of cis‐elements in the 3′UTR of the developmentally important ATF1 and ATF2 transcripts on their timely translation during first cleavages in bovine embryos. Eight different reporter mRNAs (coding sequence of green fluorescent protein [GFP] fused to the 3′UTR of short or long isoforms of cattle ATF1 or ‐2, with or without polyadenylation) or a control GFP mRNA were microinjected separately into presumptive bovine zygotes at 18 hr post‐insemination (hpi), followed by epifluorescence assessment for GFP translation between 24 and 80 hpi (expressed as percentage of GFP‐positive embryos calculated from the total number of individuals). The presence of either polyadenine or 3′UTR sequence in deadenylated constructs is required for GFP translation (implying the need for polyadenylation), and all exogenous mRNAs that met either criteria were translated as soon as 24 hpi—except for long‐deadenylated ATF2‐UTR, whose translation began at 36 hpi. Overall, GFP was more visibly translated in competent (cleaving) embryos, particularly in long ATF1/2 constructs. The current data shows a timely GFP translation in bovine embryos depending on sequences in the 3′UTR of ATF1/2, and indicates a difference between short and long isoforms. In addition, cleaving embryos displayed increased translational capacity of the tested constructs. Functional confirmation of the identification cis‐sequences in the 3′UTR of ATF1/2 will contribute to the understanding of maternal mRNA translation regulation during early cattle development.
Compressed sensing MRI reconstruction from 3D multichannel data using GPUs
Authors: Chang Ching‐Hua , Yu Xiangdong , Ji Jim X.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To accelerate iterative reconstructions of compressed sensing (CS) MRI from 3D multichannel data using graphics processing units (GPUs).

Methods

The sparsity of MRI signals and parallel array receivers can reduce the data acquisition requirements. However, iterative CS reconstructions from data acquired using an array system may take a significantly long time, especially for a large number of parallel channels. This paper presents an efficient method for CS‐MRI reconstruction from 3D multichannel data using GPUs. In this method, CS reconstructions were simultaneously processed in a channel‐by‐channel fashion on the GPU, in which the computations of multiple‐channel 3D‐CS reconstructions are highly parallelized. The final image was then produced by a sum‐of‐squares method on the central processing unit. Implementation details including algorithm, data/memory management, and parallelization schemes are reported in the paper.

Results

Both simulated data and in vivo MRI array data were tested. The results showed that the proposed method can significantly improve the image reconstruction efficiency, typically shortening the runtime by a factor of 30.

Conclusions

Using low‐cost GPUs and an efficient algorithm allowed the 3D multislice compressive‐sensing reconstruction to be performed in less than 1 s. The rapid reconstructions are expected to help bring high‐dimensional, multichannel parallel CS MRI closer to clinical applications. Magn Reson Med 78:2265–2274, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Government Purchase of Services in China: Similar Intentions, Different Policy Designs
Authors: Wen Zhuoyi
Published: February 2017

China has adopted purchase of services to facilitate the development of the societal sector, including social organisations, the social work profession and social services. Project‐based and post‐based purchases are two typical policy designs. Why do the local states develop two different designs to serve similar intentions? The answers to this question contribute to the broader discussion of policymaking and social development in China. Using the intention‐capacity analytic framework, this study systemically compares Guangzhou's project‐based model and Shenzhen's post‐based model by drawing upon an extensive review of policy and archive documents, key informant interviews and field observations. The comparative study suggests that a pro‐market ideology and incomplete analytical capacity in policy learning directed the design thinking towards market mechanism and purchase of services. Without the organisational conditions of social organisation and social work in Guangzhou, rapid growth in the social work workforce became the top priority in Shenzhen. Meanwhile, the trustworthiness of newly developing social organisations is another concern. All of these concerns underpinned the post‐based design. Both models, with substantial fiscal support, succeed in expanding the societal sectors. But the mix of market and hierarchy tools, for the post‐based model in particular, is an obstacle in further enabling social organisation and the social work profession. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of environmental exposure on tribological properties of Arhar particulate/epoxy composites
Authors: Om Prakash M. , Raghavendra G. , Panchal Manoj , Ojha S. , Anji Reddy Bhavanam
Published: February 2017

The solid particle erosion behavior of Arhar particulate epoxy composites with 5, 10, and 15 wt% particulate content has been characterized. The Arhar particulate epoxy composites have been fabricated using hand lay‐up technique, and samples have been exposed to different environmental conditions, such as dry, saline, mineral water, kerosene, and subzero, before erosion test. The effect of different environments on erosion wear rate is investigated for all the composites. The rate of erosion at which Arhar particulate epoxy composites undergo when subjected to various impingement angles (30, 45, 60, and 90°) and at particle speeds (v = 86, 101, and 119 m/s) using air jet erosion test rig has been evaluated. Erosion behavior of Arhar particulate composites is found to be less when compared with neat epoxy material. Normal samples showed semibrittle erosive behavior. Erosive wear rate is more in samples with 15 wt% particulate content. Erosion wear is higher in samples immersed in saline water. Erosive wear behavior samples immersed in saline water, mineral water, and kerosene, which is found to be semibrittle. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3102–3109, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Confined placental mosaicism for 22q11.2 deletion as the etiology for discordant positive NIPT results
Authors: Bunnell M. , Zhang C. , Lee C. , Bianchi D. W. , Wilkins‐Haug L.
Published: February 2017

22q11.2 deletion, the most common microdeletion syndrome within the general population, is estimated to have a prevalence of 1 in 3000 to 6000. Non‐invasive prenatal testing has recently expanded to include screening for several microdeletions including 22q11.2. Given the expansion of prenatal screening options to include microdeletions, it is important to understand the limits of this technology and the variety of reasons that a discordant positive result can occur. Here, we describe a case of a pregnant woman who received a positive non‐invasive prenatal maternal plasma screen for 22q11.2 deletion. Maternal and postnatal neonatal peripheral blood cytogenetic, PCR, and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were normal, but the placenta was mosaic for 22q11.2 deletion in two of three biopsy sites. This case illustrates both the complexities of pre‐ and post‐test counseling for microdeletion screening and the potential for a discordant positive microdeletion result because of confined placental mosaicism. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of fluorogenic probes and fluorescent‐tagged inhibitors for γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase
Authors: Yoshiya Taku , Ii Hiromi , Tsuda Shugo , Mochizuki Masayoshi , Kageyama Susumu , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro
Published: February 2017

A tumor‐related protein, human chromosome 7 ORF 24 (C7orf24), is involved in regulation of the glutathione homeostasis cycle as a γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT). The singular substrate preference of this enzyme had long hampered its chemical probe development. That is, substrate of GGCT is definitely ‘γ‐Glu‐Xaa’, where Xaa is an L‐α‐amino acid. Based on the structure of substrates and GGCT fluorogenic probes, LISA‐4/101, we succesfully developed a fluorescent‐tagged inhibitor, gKFA. These chemical tools will assist cancer‐related researches in the future. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between an orientation to the future and an orientation to the past: The role of future clarity
Authors: Moss Simon A. , Wilson Samuel G. , Irons Melanie , Naivalu Carmen
Published: February 2017

Some research shows that people who often contemplate their future tend to be healthier. Yet the burgeoning literature on mindfulness demonstrates that people who are more attuned to their immediate experiences also enjoy many benefits. To reconcile these principles, many scholars recommend that people should distribute their attention, somewhat evenly, across the past, present, and future—but have not clarified how people should achieve this goal. We test the possibility that people who perceive their future as vivid and certain, called future clarity, might be able to both orient their attention to the future as well as experience mindfulness. Specifically, future clarity could diminish the inclination of people to reach decisions prematurely and dismiss information that contradicts these decisions, called need for closure—tendencies that diminish consideration of future consequences and mindfulness, respectively. In this cross‐sectional study, 194 participants completed measures of mindfulness, consideration of future consequences, need for closure, and future clarity. Consistent with hypotheses, future clarity was positively associated with both mindfulness and consideration of future consequences. Need for closure partly mediated these relationships. Accordingly, interventions that empower people to shape and to clarify their future might generate the benefits of both mindfulness and a future orientation.
U.S. reserve soldiers' combat exposure and intimate partner violence: Not more common but it is more violent
Authors: Heavey Sarah Cercone , Homish D. Lynn , Goodell Erin Anderson , Homish Gregory G.
Published: February 2017

Combat exposure's influence on intimate partner violence (IPV) in reserve soldiers is not well understood. This work examines combat exposure's influence on IPV in U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard soldiers and partners. Data are from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study of U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard soldiers and partners. Logistic regression models examined odds of sexual aggression, physical aggression, and physical injury with combat exposure, controlling for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, marital satisfaction, and age. Combat exposure was associated with greater physical injury, despite no association between combat exposure and physical aggression. This was significant for male soldier to female partner, as well as female partner to male soldier injury. In addition, female partners were more likely to be sexually aggressive against their male soldiers. Female soldiers' combat exposure was not associated with IPV or injury. Although men's combat exposure did not increase the likelihood of physical aggression, it increased the likelihood of IPV resulting in injury for both husband to wife and wife to husband aggression. Results indicate postdeployment programming should focus on conflict resolution and communication for both partners.
Neubau einer ÖPNV‐Brücke für Straßenbahn, Radfahrer und Fußgänger zum Kienlesberg in Ulm
Authors: Novoselic Tijana , Klähne Thomas , Tschepego Igor , Schönburg Danny , Heiland Uwe
Published: February 2017

Den Kern des Neubaus der Straßenbahnlinie 2 in der Stadt Ulm bildet ein Ingenieurbauwerk, das als kombinierte Straßenbahn‐ und Straßenbrücke den Verkehr als außerordentlich schlanke, semiintegrale Ganzstahlbrücke über ein hochfrequentiertes innerstädtisches Bahngelände führt – die Kienlesbergbrücke.

Der Brückenentwurf wurde im Rahmen eines Realisierungswettbewerbes erarbeitet und zur Ausführung ausgewählt. Der Überbauquerschnitt ist zweigeteilt, wobei die Trennung zwischen dem Fußgänger‐ und Radfahrbereich und der Fahrbahn durch einen teils als Vollwand‐, teils als Fachwerkträger ausgebildeten Hauptträger erfolgt. Insbesondere die dem Momentenverlauf angepasste Gestaltung dieses Trägers verleiht dem Bauwerk seine besondere Ausstrahlung. Die monolithische Verbindung des Fahrbahndecks mit den tragenden Stahlrohrstützen und die Lagerung im Bereich der Widerlager erfolgt mit konventionellen Lagern und erzeugt so das statisch relevante semiintegrale Tragwerk.

Das Eingehen auf die besondere räumliche Bausituation mit einer temporär herzustellenden Montageplattform und der Montage der Stahlkonstruktion im Taktschiebeverfahren unter Nutzung der ca.15 m hohen, schlanken Stützen des finalen Tragwerkes sowie einem Vorbauschnabel, vermeidet die Nutzung einer Vielzahl von Hilfsstützen und erzeugt statisch interessante Bauzustände. Gleichzeitig ist es möglich, in einer außerordentlich kurzen Bauzeit, das Bauwerk so herzustellen, dass keine relevanten Beeinflussungen des Bahnverkehrs auftreten.
Remixing Leadership Practices with Emerging Technologies
Authors: Cabellon Edmund T. , Brown Paul Gordon
Published: February 2017

The authors present an overview of the historical trends in and current state of technology in leadership education (P–20), including the influence of related platforms, tools, and theories.
Testing the effect of dietary carotenoids on larval survival, growth and development in the critically endangered southern corroboree frog
Authors: Byrne Phillip G. , Silla Aimee J.
Published: February 2017

The success of captive breeding programs (CBPs) for threatened species is often limited due to a lack of knowledge of the nutritional conditions required for optimal growth and survival. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants known to accelerate vertebrate growth and reduce mortality. However, the effect of carotenoids on amphibian life‐history traits remains poorly understood. The aim of our study was to use a manipulative laboratory experiment to test the effect of dietary‐carotenoid supplementation during the larval life stage on the survival, growth and development of the critically endangered southern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne corroboree). Larvae were fed either a carotenoid supplemented diet or an unsupplemented diet and the survival, growth and development of individuals was monitored and compared. There was no significant effect of dietary treatment on larval survival, growth rate, time taken to reach metamorphosis, or body size at metamorphosis. Our findings provide no evidence that carotenoid supplementation during the larval life stage improves the growth and development of southern corroboree frogs. However, because the carotenoid dose used in our study did not have any detrimental effects on P. corroboree larvae, but has previously been shown to improve adult coloration, immunity, and exercise performance, carotenoid supplementation should be considered when evaluating the nutritional requirements of P. corroboree in captivity. Carotenoid supplementation studies are now required for a diversity of anuran species to determine the effects of carotenoids on amphibian survival, growth and development. Understanding the effects of dietary carotenoids on different life‐history traits may assist with amphibian captive breeding and conservation.
Olfactory enrichment and scent cue associative learning in captive birds of prey
Authors: Nelson Slater Melissa , Hauber Mark E.
Published: February 2017

As the use of enrichment in zoos has become a standardized husbandry practice, the continued improvement of enrichment programs should be concomitant with empirical validation of those practices. The role of scent as enrichment remains an unexplored avenue for many bird species. We conducted a multi‐phase experiment to introduce wrapped food packages and scent cuing to indicate food presence into the exhibits of several birds of prey species at the Bronx Zoo, New York City, to assess if scent can function as enrichment in these species. Our research found support for these birds associating a novel scent cue from a package with the presence of food inside. When tested with sham (empty) packages, these individuals more often and more extensively handled scented versus unscented packages. Overall, these results indicate the ability of some our small sample of individuals to learn olfactory cues and provide support for trials to include olfactory enrichment as a potential part of the daily routine for some birds of prey in zoo settings.
Tannin-caprolactam and Tannin-PEG formulations as outdoor wood preservatives: weathering properties
Authors: Tondi Gianluca , Hu Jinbo , Rizzo Filippo , Buh Janez , Medved Sergej , Petutschnigg Alexander , Thevenon Marie-France
Published: February 2017

Key message

This article presents the leaching, fire and weathering resistance improvements of samples treated with tannin-based wood preservatives added of caprolactam. PEG-added formulations show limited applicability. The FT-IR and13C-NMR analyses of the caprolactam-added formulations show some evidences of copolymerization.

Context

Tannin-boron wood preservatives are known for their high resistance against leaching, biological attacks, fire as well as for the good mechanical properties that they impart to wood. These properties promoted these formulations for being a candidate for the protection of green buildings. However, the low elasticity of these polymers and their dark colour implied limited weathering resistances.

Aims

The aim of the study is to find suitable additives for tannin-based formulations to overcome their limited weathering resistances, without compromising the other properties.

Methods

Treatment, leaching and fire tests, dimensional stability as well as artificial and natural weathering of the timber treated with caprolactam-added and PEG-added formulations were performed. FT-IR and13C-NMR of the formulations were presented.

Results

The presence of caprolactam improved the properties of the formulation with particularly significant results in terms of resistance against leaching and dimensional stability. These enhancements were imparted also to the weathering resistance of the tannin-caprolactam formulations. Indeed, the colour changes during the artificial and natural exposures were stable for longer periods. FT-IR and13C-NMR investigations of the advanced formulations were led, and covalent copolymerization of the caprolactam with the tannin-hexamine polymer was observed.

Conclusion

The tannin formulations with caprolactam improved the durability of the wood specimens, while the PEG-tannin presented strong application drawbacks.
Religion, Religiosity, and Happiness
Authors: Sander William
Published: February 2017

The effect of religion on happiness in the United States is examined. Particular attention is given to the direct effect of religion on attending religious services and the indirect effect on happiness. The key results include Catholic, Jewish, and no religion having negative effects on happiness relative to Protestants. Data from the National Opinion Research Center's “General Social Survey” are used.