bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex formation of pyridine‐azacrown ether amide macrocycles with proton and heavy metal ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Fedorov Yury , Fedorova Olga , Peregudov Alexander , Kalmykov Stepan , Egorova Bayirta , Arkhipov Dmitry , Zubenko Anastasia , Oshchepkov Maxim
Published: December 2015

This research concerns the analysis of the proton and metal ion binding of amide macrocycles of different structures and sizes by potentiometric,1H NMR and X‐ray diffraction methods. Protonated ligands exist as a 3D network structures. The ligands form 1:1 complexes with heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+) in aqueous solutions and demonstrate the high selectivity towards Cu2+cations. The pyridine‐2,6‐dicarbamide fragment provides structural rigidity to crown ether, resulting the molecule has an open cavity and faster kinetics of metal complexes formation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacologic immunosuppression of mononuclear phagocyte phagocytosis by caffeine
Authors: Steck Ryan P. , Hill Spencer L. , Weagel Evita G. , Scott Weber K. , Robison Richard A. , O'Neill Kim L.
Published: December 2015

Caffeine is the most widely used neurostimulant in the world. There is considerable debate on its effect on immune cells as it has been shown to antagonize adenosine receptors (ARs), which mediate an anti‐inflammatory switch in activated immune cells. A second target is phosphodiesterase, where it acts as an inhibitor. If the primary effect of caffeine on mononuclear phagocytes were to antagonize ARs we would expect cells exposed to caffeine to have a prolonged proinflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of action of caffeine in mononuclear phagocytes. Human mononuclear phagocytes were separated from whole blood and pretreated with protein kinase A inhibitor (PKA) and then exposed to micromolar physiological concentrations of caffeine. Phagocytosis and phagocytosis exhaustion were quantified using flow cytometry. Treatments were analyzed and compared to controls, using a beta regression controlling for factors of age, gender, caffeine intake, and exercise. We found that caffeine suppresses phagocytosis at micromolar physiological concentrations. This suppression was prevented when mononuclear phagocytes were pretreated with PKA inhibitor, suggesting that caffeine's phagocytic suppression may be due to its function as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, pushing cells towards an anti‐inflammatory response. Additionally, these effects are altered by regular caffeine intake and fitness level, emphasizing that tolerance and immune robustness are important factors in mononuclear phagocyte activation. These results demonstrate that caffeine may be acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and suppressing phagocytosis in mononuclear phagocytes by promoting an anti‐inflammatory response.
miRNA‐27b levels are associated with CYP3A activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ekström Lena , Skilving Ilona , Ovesjö Marie‐Louise , Aklillu Eleni , Nylén Hanna , Rane Anders , Diczfalusy Ulf , Björkhem‐Bergman Linda
Published: December 2015

Previous in vitro studies have shown that microRNA‐27b (miR‐27b) may regulate mRNA levels of CYP3A4, vitamin D receptor (VDR), and Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) as well as CYP3A4 protein expression and activity. In vitro studies have also shown that vitamin D may affect the expression of CYP3A4. The primary aim of this pilot study was to investigate the association between miR‐27b and CYP3A expression and activity. The secondary aim was to investigate the association between 25‐hydroxy vitamin D in serum and CYP3A activity. Mi‐RNA‐27b was quantified using real‐time PCR in serum samples (n = 28) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was measured and correlated with the levels of the endogenous CYP3A activity marker 4β‐hydroxycholesterol. In addition, the correlation between miR‐27b and CYP3A activity, measured by dextromethorphan N‐demethylation and 6β‐hydroxylation of testosterone and the gene expression of CYP3A4, VDR and PPARα were assessed in 20 human liver samples. A significant association between circulatory miR‐27b levels and 4β‐hydroxycholesterol ratio was found; P = 0.04, and between hepatic miR‐27b levels and CYP3A activity, measured by dextromethorphan N‐demethylation in human liver (P = 0.04). There was no association between hepatic miR‐27b and mRNA levels of CYP3A4, VDR or PPARα. There was a significant association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and 4β‐hydroxycholesterol ratio, P = 0.002. In conclusion, this pilot‐study supports the hypothesis that miR‐27b levels as well as 25‐hydroxyvitamin D may affect CYP3A activity in vivo. The results indicate that miR‐27b exerts its inhibitory effect on a translational level rather than affecting mRNA levels.
Potential mechanism of enhanced postprandial glucagon‐like peptide‐1 release following treatment with a diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 inhibitor
Authors: Liu Jinqi , McLaren David G. , Chen Dunlu , Kan Yanqing , Stout Steven J. , Shen Xiaolan , Murphy Beth Ann , Forrest Gail , Karanam Bindhu , Sonatore Lisa , He Shuwen , Roddy Thomas P. , Pinto Shirly
Published: December 2015

Studies have demonstrated that blockade of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) leads to prolonged release of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) after meal challenge. The current study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the elevated levels of GLP‐1 release following pharmacological inhibition of DGAT1. We utilized a potent, specific DGAT1 inhibitor, compound A, to investigate the changes in intestinal lipid profile in a mouse model after oral administration of the compound and challenge with tracer containing fatty meal. [13C18]‐oleic acid and LC‐MS were employed to trace the fate of dietary fatty acids provided as part of a meal challenge in lean mice. Lipid profiles in plasma, proximal to distal segments of intestine, and feces were evaluated at various times following the meal challenge to study the kinetics of fatty acid absorption, synthesis into complex lipids, and excretion. Pharmacological inhibition of DGAT1 led to reduction of postprandial total and newly synthesized triglyceride (TG) excursion and significant increases in TG and FFA levels in the distal portion of intestine enriched with enteroendocrine L cells. Enhanced levels of FFA and cholesteryl ester were observed via fecal fat profiling. DGAT1 inhibition leads to enhancement of carbon flow to the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine within the intestine. DGAT1 inhibition markedly increases levels of TG and FFA in the distal intestine, which could be the predominant contributor to the prolonged and enhanced postprandial GLP‐1 release. Inactivation of DGAT1 could provide potential benefit in the treatment of dysmetabolic diseases.
Comparative study on MAPbI3 based solar cells using different electron transporting materials
Authors: Adhikari Krishna R. , Gurung Shekhar , Bhattarai Binod K. , Soucase Bernabé Marí
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a comparative study on organometal halide perovskite based solar cells using two different transparent conducting oxides such as TiO2 and ZnO as electron transporting materials. Simulation is an interesting tool for studying the behavior of every component of a solar cell device as well as for analyzing the performance of the full device. Solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS)‐1D has been the tool used for numerical simulation of such devices. Influences of thickness of absorber and ETMs, interface trap density of states and dopant concentration of ETMs on the performance of photovoltaic solar cells are studied. Comparable efficiencies of 22.35% and 22.49% for PV devices made of spiro‐MeOTAD/MAPbI3/TiO2 and spiro‐MeOTAD/MAPbI3/ZnO, respectively, with 400/400/90 nm thicknesses under 1 Sun illumination are observed. The performance of both devices indicates the replacement of the TiO2 by a ZnO layer. It could be a good option to reduce the cost and increase the mobility of ETM for this type of solar cells. Generally, increase in thickness of MAPbI3 perovskite up to around 700 nm results into increase in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the solar cells. On the other hand, TiO2 and ZnO layers thicker than 90 nm results into decrease in the efficiency of the devices. Furthermore, the increase in interface trap density is found to reduce the efficiency of the devices. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Collinear and degenerate polariton pair emission via biexciton‐resonant hyper‐parametric scattering
Authors: Shimizu Hayate , Oohata Goro , Yamamoto Yasuo , Mizoguchi Kohji
Published: December 2015

We report on the efficient generation of the collinear and degenerate polariton pair via biexciton‐resonant hyper‐parametric scattering (RHPS) in a CuCl single crystal using the non‐collinear and two‐color excitation method. By using this excitation method, a strong emission peak is observed at one‐half of the biexciton energy (Ebx/2). The strong emission obtained at Ebx/2 originates from the collinear and degenerate scattered polariton pair generated through the RHPS process. Furthermore, it is found that the energies of the scattered polaritons are split and deviated from Ebx/2, when the energies of the two excitation pulses are changed. We discuss the variation of the scattered polariton energies with changing the energies of the two excitation pulses on the basis of the phase matching condition for the RHPS process. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phototransport in colloidal nanoplatelets array
Authors: Lhuillier Emmanuel , Dayen Jean‐Francois , Thomas Daniel O. , Robin Adrien , Ithurria Sandrine , Aubin Herve , Dubertret Benoit
Published: December 2015

Colloidal nanocrystals are promising materials for achieving low cost optoelectronic devices. In this paper, we focus on the transport and photo transport properties of 2D nanoplatelet thin films and their use for photodetection. We present evidence that improved performances relies on good trap passivation as well as overcoming the inherent large exciton binding energy of the 2D NPL. This can be achieved using a phototransistor configuration with transport at the single particle scale (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and optical characterization of hybrid ZnO/polymer core‐shell nanowires fabricated by oxidative chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Bley Stephanie , Rückmann Max , Castro‐Carranza Alejandra , Meierhofer Florian , Mädler Lutz , Voss Tobias , Gutowski Jürgen
Published: December 2015

Polycrystalline (pc) n‐doped ZnO layers and n‐doped ZnO nanowires are coated with the p‐doped organic poly‐mers polypyrrole and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) by oxidative chemical vapour deposition. The structural characterization of the polypyrrole‐coated pc‐ZnO layer shows that the thickness and homogeneity of the polymer shell depends on the amount of the oxidizing agent FeCl3. Electrical measurements of the formed pn‐junction prepared with 0.1 g and 0.3 g FeCl3, show ideality factors of η = 1.7 and η = 4, representing the quality of the formed diode (ideal case η = 1), which is decreasing with increasing amount of oxidizing agent. Structural studies of the hybrid core‐shell nanowires reveal that a thin and homogeneous coating of the nanowires is achieved by using 0.1 g FeCl3. Energy dispersive X‐ray measurements confirm that chlorine is incorporated into the polymer shell. Optical characterization of the hybrid structures via photoluminescence measurements show a broadening of the exciton lines of the ZnO nanowires after polymer coating (especially for PEDOT) which is attributed to etching processes of the wire surface occurring during the application of FeCl3, whereas, the general optical properties of ZnO are not affected. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Design optimisation for pharmacokinetic modeling of a cocktail of phenotyping drugs
Authors: Nguyen Thu Thuy , Bénech Henri , Delaforge Marcel , Lenuzza Natacha
Published: December 2015

Our paper proposes a methodological strategy to select optimal sampling designs for phenotyping studies including a cocktail of drugs. A cocktail approach is of high interest to determine the simultaneous activity of enzymes responsible for drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, therefore useful in anticipating drug–drug interactions and in personalized medicine. Phenotyping indexes, which are area under the concentration‐time curves, can be derived from a few samples using nonlinear mixed effect models and maximuma posterioriestimation. Because of clinical constraints in phenotyping studies, the number of samples that can be collected in individuals is limited and the sampling times must be as flexible as possible. Therefore to optimize joint design for several drugs (i.e., to determine a compromise between informative times that best characterize each drug's kinetics), we proposed to use a compound optimality criterion based on the expected population Fisher information matrix in nonlinear mixed effect models. This criterion allows weighting different models, which might be useful to take into account the importance accorded to each target in a phenotyping test. We also computed windows around the optimal times based on recursive random sampling and Monte‐Carlo simulation while maintaining a reasonable level of efficiency for parameter estimation. We illustrated this strategy for two drugs often included in phenotyping cocktails, midazolam (probe for CYP3A) and digoxin (P‐glycoprotein), based on the data of a previous study, and were able to find a sparse and flexible design. The obtained design was evaluated by clinical trial simulations and shown to be efficient for the estimation of population and individual parameters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Black Tea Consumption on Intracellular Cytokines, Regulatory T Cells and Metabolic Biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Mahmoud Fadia , Haines David , Al‐Ozairi Ebaa , Dashti Ali
Published: December 2015

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of black tea intake on inflammatory cytokines and metabolic biomarkers in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty patients with T2DM were randomly assigned either to a High Intake (HI) group, consuming three cups (600 mL) of black tea per day; and a Low Intake (LI) group, administered 1 cup (200 mL) per day, each during a 12‐week period. Intracellular cytokine expression, regulatory T cells (Treg), glycemic and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and following the tea intake period. Tea consumption correlated with major effects measured in peripheral blood of subjects that included significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, along with increased regulatory T cells CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3, CD3+ CD4+ IL‐10+ cells (an immunosuppressive phenotype), reduced (pro‐inflammatory) CD3+ CD4+ IL‐17+ cells and reduced Th1‐associated CD3+ CD4+ IFN‐Υ+ cells. Tea consumption was also observed to abolish the significance of an inverse correlation between total serum cholesterol and representation of CD4+ IL‐4+ T cells, which may reflect protection against atopy‐related oxidative stress. Outcomes of this study describe both advantages and limitations to consumption of black tea as an aid to sustained health maintenance by persons at‐risk for TD2M and related obesity‐associated metabolic syndromes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Context and Implications Document for: Parental homework involvement improves test scores? A review of the literature
Authors: Ariës Roel J. F. J. , Cabus Sofie J.
Published: December 2015

This guide accompanies the following article: Roel J. F. J. Ariës and Sofie J. Cabus, Parental homework involvement improves test scores? A review of the literature, Review of Education, DOI:10.1002/rev3.3055
Surface Defects Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic H2 Production for Zn‐Cd‐S Solid Solution
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhao Zhao , Zhang Wanwan , Zhang Guoqiang , Qu Dan , Miao Xiang , Sun Shaorui , Sun Zaicheng
Published: December 2015

In order to investigate the defect effect on photocatalytic performance of the visible light photocatalyst, Zn‐Cd‐S solid solution with surface defects is prepared in the hydrazine hydrate. X‐ray photoelectron spectra and photoluminescence results confirm the existence of defects, such as sulfur vacancies, interstitial metal, and Zn and Cd in the low valence state on the top surface of solid solutions. The surface defects can be effectively removed by treating with sulfur vapor. The solid solution with surface defect exhibits a narrower band gap, wider light absorption range, and better photocatalytic perfomance. The optimized solid solution with defects exhibits 571 μmol h−1 for 50 mg photocatalyst without loading Pt as cocatalyst under visible light irradiation, which is fourfold better than that of sulfur vapor treated samples. The wavelength dependence of photocatalytic activity discloses that the enhancement happens at each wavelength within the whole absorption range. The theoretical calculation shows that the surface defects induce the conduction band minimum and valence band maximum shift downward and upward, respectively. This constructs a type I junction between bulk and surface of solid solution, which promotes the migration of photogenerated charges toward the surface of nanostructure and leads to enhanced photocatalytic activity. Thus a new method to construct highly efficient visible light photocatalysts is opened.
Fuzzy logic‐based linguistic summaries of time series: a powerful tool for discovering knowledge on time varying processes and systems under imprecision
Authors: Kacprzyk Janusz , Zadrożny Sławomir
Published: December 2015

We present a novel approach to linguistic data summarization for numeric data, i.e., of the numbers to text type. Linguistic summarization is meant as a process of a comprehensive description of big and complex datasets via short statements in natural language. First, we briefly survey main developments in the traditional, well developed, and powerful approach to linguistic data summarization based on tools and techniques of natural language generation (NLG), notably due to Reiter and his collaborators. We indicate that this approach has a serious limitation on the representation and processing of imprecision that is characteristic for natural languages. We show that a fuzzy logic‐based approach to linguistic data summarization can be a simple yet efficient solution in this respect. We present the linguistic summaries represented by protoforms in the form of linguistically quantified propositions dealt with using tools and techniques of fuzzy logic to grasp an inherent imprecision of natural language. Such linguistic data summaries can provide a human user, whose only natural means of articulation and communication is natural language, with a simple yet effective and efficient means for the representation and manipulation of knowledge about processes and systems. We concentrate on the linguistic summarization of dynamic processes and systems, dealing with data represented as time series. We extend the basic, static data‐oriented concept of a linguistic data summary to the case of time series data, present various possible protoforms of linguistic summaries, and an analysis of their properties and ways of generation. We show two our own real applications of the new tools of linguistic summarization of time series, for the summarization of quotations of an investment (mutual) fund, and of Web server logs, to show the power of the tool. We also mention some other applications known from the literature. We conclude with some remarks on the strength of the linguistic summarization for broadly perceived data mining and knowledge discovery and some possible further research directions. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2016, 6:37–46. doi: 10.1002/widm.1175

This article is categorized under:

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Human Centricity and User Interaction

Technologies > Computational Intelligence

Technologies > Machine Learning
Syntheses and Structures of Acetyl‐Acetonato‐Alumo‐Diphenylsilanolates with Magnesium(II), Iron(II), Iron(III), Cobalt(II), and Nickel(II)
Authors: Veith Michael , Smail‐Bubel Hakima , Nadig Sandra , Huch Volker
Published: December 2015

Bis(acetylacetonate)alumo‐oxo‐tetraphenyldisiloxane‐metal(II) dihydrates [(acac)2Al(O–SiPh2–O–SiPh2–O)]2M(H2O)2 (M = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni) were obtained from the corresponding acetyl‐acetonate‐dihydrates (acac)2M(H2O)2 by reaction with the alumosiloxane [O–Ph2Si–O–SiPh2–O]4Al4(OH)4. These new compounds display two acac ligands at the aluminum atoms as well as disilatrioxy chains linking the two aluminum atoms forming a (Al–O–Si–O–Si–O)2 cycle (X‐ray structure analyses). Within this cycle the divalent metal ions M2+, to which two water molecules in trans positions are linked, are installed in almost planar MO4 coordination spheres. Using water free (acac)2Ni a different product forms: both reactants combine in a 2:1 ratio to yield [O–Ph2Si–O–SiPh2–O]4Al4(OH)2O(OH2)Ni2(acac)4. Here, three of the acac ligands were transposed to the aluminum atoms. The nickel atoms are in a distorted octahedral coordination mode from oxygen atoms of the ligands. When iron(III)tris(acetylacetonate) reacts with the alumosiloxane [O–Ph2Si–O–SiPh2–O]3Al2O(OH)Fe2(acac)3 was isolated, in which the two iron atoms still display one of the acac ligands. One of the aluminum atoms is in a tetrahedral oxygen environment, whereas the other is in the center of a trigonal bi‐pyramid formed of oxygen atoms either of the siloxane or of acac. The iron atoms have five‐ or sixfold coordination from oxygen atoms of siloxane, acac, hydroxide or oxide.
Selected Nitrocarbamates of Glycerine & Co. and the First Acetylene Derivative
Authors: Axthammer Quirin J. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard
Published: December 2015

A simple two step synthesis route for the preparation of several energetic multivalent nitrocarbamates of easily available alcohols is presented. The carbamates were obtained by the reaction of the alcohols and the reactive reagent chlorosulfonyl isocyanate (CSI) with subsequent aqueous work‐up. The nitration of the carbamates was performed with mixed acid (nitric and sulfuric acid). The thermal stabilities were explored by using differential scanning calorimetry and the energies of formation were calculated on the CBS‐4M level of theory, as well as several detonation and propulsion parameters for the application as energetic materials. All compounds were fully characterized and discussed in addition with single X‐ray diffraction.
Analysis of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate in Laundry Wastewater by HPLC–UV and UV–Vis Spectrophotometry
Authors: Ramcharan Terelle , Bissessur Ajay
Published: December 2015

A lack of natural water resources and an increase in the demand for fresh potable water has shifted focus to the possible reuse of recycled laundry wastewater water that is considered to be relatively clean. Organic components such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are the major and most abundant contributing anionic surfactant constituents found in laundry detergents. The development and reliability of treatment methods targeted at purification of laundry wastewater necessitates a fast and accurate method for quantification of LAS. This paper focuses on a comparative study for the quantification of LAS based on traditional liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and HPLC–UV methods. In the case of LLE, the anionic surfactant LAS complexes via ion association to a methylene blue (MB) cationic dye resulting in the formation of an anionic surfactant–methylene blue (AS–MB) complex. The AS–MB complex extracted with chloroform absorbs at a λ max of 653 nm. Optimized conditions for quantification of a single eluted LAS peak using HPLC–UV were obtained by isocratic elution on a C18 column with a 95 % acetonitrile and 5 % 0.7 M acetic acid mobile phase. Both methods displayed percentage recoveries >90 % and statistically showed reproducibility and precision in the quantitation of LAS. HPLC–UV prevailed over UV–Vis as the method of choice for LAS determinations given the ease of sample preparation and applicability to a wider range of samples. Typical levels of LAS in laundry samples assessed in this study ranged between 116 and 454 mg L−1.
Surfactant‐Induced Wettability Alteration of Oil‐Wet Sandstone Surface: Mechanisms and Its Effect on Oil Recovery
Authors: Hou Baofeng , Wang Yefei , Cao Xulong , Zhang Jun , Song Xinwang , Ding Mingchen , Chen Wuhua
Published: December 2015

Different analytical methods were utilized to investigate the mechanisms for wettability alteration of oil‐wet sandstone surfaces induced by different surfactants and the effect of reservoir wettability on oil recovery. The cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is more effective than the nonionic surfactant octylphenol ethoxylate (TX‐100) and the anionic surfactant sodium laureth sulfate (POE(1)) in altering the wettability of oil‐wet sandstone surfaces. The cationic surfactant CTAB was able to desorb negatively charged carboxylates of crude oil from the solid surface in an irreversible way by the formation of ion pairs. For the nonionic surfactant TX‐100 and the anionic surfactant POE(1), the wettability of oil‐wet sandstone surfaces is changed by the adsorption of surfactants on the solid surface. The different surfactants were added into water to vary the core surface wettability, while maintaining a constant interfacial tension. The more water‐wet core showed a higher oil recovery by spontaneous imbibition. The neutral wetting micromodel showed the highest oil recovery by waterflooding and the oil‐wet model showed the maximum residual oil saturation among all the models.
By‐Products from the Chestnut Industry Used to Produce Natural Potassium Soaps: Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Torres María Dolores , Seijo Javier
Published: December 2015

Mechanical properties of soaps are important during soap making and in the appraisal of the final product. In this context, the main objectives of this study were to develop novel potassium soaps prepared using chestnut husk ashes as an alternative source for potash production, to investigate their mechanical properties and to compare them with those obtained from traditional sources. A parallel objective was to determine the physicochemical properties of the studied ashes and potashes. Physicochemical results indicated that ash and potash have compositions which vary with the materials used, i.e. chestnut husk ashes as an interesting source for potash production. Rheological and textural properties indicate that natural soaps obtained from chestnut husk ashes can be interesting products for the soft soap market and provide additional economic value to wastes or by‐products as a strategy to add value to the chestnut processing industry.
Analysis of Molecular Species Profiles of Ceramide‐1‐phosphate and Sphingomyelin Using MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yamashita Ryouhei , Tabata Yumika , Iga Erina , Nakao Michiyasu , Sano Shigeki , Kogure Kentaro , Tokumura Akira , Tanaka Tamotsu
Published: December 2015

Ceramide‐1‐phosphate (C1P) is a potential signaling molecule that modulates various cellular functions in animals. It has been known that C1P with different N‐acyl lengths induce biological responses differently. However, molecular species profiles of the C1P in animal tissues have not been extensively examined yet. Here, we developed a method for determination of the molecular species of a C1P using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry with Phos‐tag, a phosphate capture molecule. The amounts of total C1P in skin, brain, liver, kidney and small intestine of mice were determined to be 344, 151, 198, 96 and 90 pmol/g wet weight, respectively. We found a C1P species having an α‐hydroxypalmitoyl residue (h‐C1P, 44 pmol/g wet weight) in mouse skin. The h‐C1P was detected only in the skin, and not other tissues of mice. The same analysis was applied to sphingomyelin after conversion of sphingomyelin to C1P by Streptomyces chromofuscus phospholipase D. We found that molecular species profiles of sphingomyelin in skin, kidney and small intestine of mice were similar to those of C1P in corresponding tissues. In contrast, molecular species profiles of sphingomyelin in liver and brain were quite different from those of C1P in these tissues, indicating selective synthesis or degradation of C1P in these tissues. The method described here will be useful for detection of changes in molecular species profiles of C1P and sphingomyelin.
From ice superlubricity to quantum friction: Electronic repulsivity and phononic elasticity
Authors: Zhang Xi , Huang Yongli , Ma Zengsheng , Niu Lengyuan , Sun Chang Qing
Published: December 2015

Superlubricity means non-sticky and frictionless when two bodies are set contacting motion. Although this occurrence has been extensively investigated since 1859 when Faraday firstly proposed a quasiliquid skin on ice, the mechanism behind the superlubricity remains uncertain. This report features a consistent understanding of the superlubricity pertaining to the slipperiness of ice, self-lubrication of dry solids, and aqueous lubricancy from the perspective of skin bond-electron-phonon adaptive relaxation. The presence of nonbonding electron polarization, atomic or molecular undercoordination, and solute ionic electrification of the hydrogen bond as an addition, ensures the superlubricity. Nonbond vibration creates soft phonons of high magnitude and low frequency with extraordinary adaptivity and recoverability of deformation. Molecular undercoordination shortens the covalent bond with local charge densification, which in turn polarizes the nonbonding electrons making them localized dipoles. The locally pinned dipoles provide force opposing contact, mimicking magnetic levitation and hovercraft. O:H−O bond electrification by aqueous ions has the same effect of molecular undercoordination but it is throughout the entire body of the lubricant. Such a Coulomb repulsivity due to the negatively charged skins and elastic adaptivity due to soft nonbonding phonons of one of the contacting objects not only lowers the effective contacting force but also prevents charge from being transited between the counterparts of the contact. Consistency between theory predictions and observations evidences the validity of the proposal of interface elastic Coulomb repulsion that serves as the rule for the superlubricity of ice, wet and dry frictions, which also reconciles the superhydrophobicity, superlubricity, and supersolidity at contacts.
New achievements in superlubricity from international workshop on superlubricity: fundamental and applications
Authors: Xu Jun , Li Jinjin
Published: December 2015

Since the term “superlubricity” was put forward at the beginning of 1990s, it has become one of the hottest researches in tribology due to it being close linked to the energy problems. Recently, the International Workshop on “Superlubricity: Fundamental and Applications” was successfully held on 19–20 October 2015 in Beijing, which has attracted many researchers in this field. The recent scientific results in both solid superlubricity and liquid superlubricity have been presented according to these invited wonderful lectures and posters. In the communication, we gave an introduction to the Workshop on Superlubricity, and also summarized the new achievements of superlubricity during recent years according to these reports. Finally, the problems of superlubricity mechanism and the future development direction of superlubricity are discussed.
Comparative assessment of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and Minimental State Examination (MMSE) in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele carriers in epilepsy
Authors: Palanisamy Amirthalingam , Rajendran Natham , Narmadha Mukundhu , Ganesvaran Ruckmani
Published: December 2015

Background/Aim Mini mental state examination (MMSE) is a widely accepted tool till date to investigate cognitive status; however, its sensitivity is questioned by few studies. Alternately, Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA) is considered more effective with high sensitivity to assess cognitive status than MMSE. The usefulness of MOCA is well established in assessing cognitive status in patients in various disorders. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele is identified as one of the risk factors associated with cognitive impairment on MMSE; however, the usefulness of MOCA on the association between APOE ɛ4 allele and cognitive impairment is not clearly established and hence the present study.

Methods This prospective study recruited 123 subjects diagnosed as tonic-clonic seizures in the study site during the study period.

Results Gender and educational status showed normal cognitive function on MMSE but showed cognitive impairment on MOCA. Among epilepsy patients, all APOE ɛ4 carriers showed mild to severe cognitive impairment on MOCA but differences in cognitive status were observed in this population as well as in APOE ɛ4 non-carriers on MMSE.

Conclusion Thus, the present study demonstrates the sensitivity of MOCA over MMSE in detecting cognitive impairment in epilepsy.
Comparative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative dementia
Authors: Llorens Franc , Schmitz Matthias , Karch André , Cramm Maria , Lange Peter , Gherib Kerim , Varges Daniela , Schmidt Christian , Zerr Inga , Stoeck Katharina
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers gains importance in clinical routine and is effective in substantiating dementia diagnosis in the differential diagnostic context.

Methods

We evaluated the levels of β‐amyloid (Aβ) 42, Aβ40, tau, and P‐tau in a large patient population subdivided into prion diseases, tauopathies, synucleinopathies, and controls. Diagnostic test evaluation was assessed by ROC area under the curve analysis.

Results

High tau levels were detected in sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) and high P‐tau levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and sCJD. Aβ40 was lower exclusively in prionopathies, but low Aβ42 was detected in AD, sCJD, and Lewy body dementia. When disease groups were stratified according to the underlying proteinopathy, we detected disease‐type specificities for all biomarkers. P‐tau/tau, Aβ42/40, Aβ42/tau, and Aβ40/tau ratios proved valuable in discriminating disease groups and controls, especially P‐tau/tau ratio in the identification of sCJD cases.

Discussion

Combining the biomarker panel allows differentiating between various types of neurodegenerative dementias and contributes to a better understanding of their pathophysiological processes.
Use of Structural Bone Graft for Reconstruction of Acetabular Defects in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 13-year Experience
Authors: Kwong-Ting Ho , Kam-Yiu Wong
Published: December 2015

Background/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with acetabular defect reconstruction using structural bone grafts.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2012, 10 hips in eight patients with uncontained superolateral acetabular bone defects were reconstructed with femoral head grafts at the time of primary cementless THA. The mean age at surgery was 61.7 years. Patients were followed-up for a mean of 5.8 years for evaluation.

Results

With either revision or loosening as endpoints, the survival rate of the structural grafts was 100%. Significant improvements in clinical outcomes in terms of the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (from 9.5 to 3.3, p = 0.005) and Harris Hip Score (from 32.7 to 73.9, p = 0.005) were noted.

Conclusion

Uncontained superolateral acetabular bone defects can be effectively reconstructed with structural bone grafts during primary THA, with excellent short- to midterm survival rate and significantly improved clinical outcomes.
Integrated analysis of the prostate cancer small‐nucleolar transcriptome reveals SNORA55 as a driver of prostate cancer progression
Authors: Crea Francesco , Quagliata Luca , Michael Agnieszka , Liu Hui Hsuan , Frumento Paolo , Azad Arun A. , Xue Hui , Pikor Larissa , Watahiki Akira , Morant Rudolf , Eppenberger-Castori Serenella , Wang Yuwei , Parolia Abhijit , Lennox Kim A. , Lam Wan L. , Gleave Martin , Chi Kim N. , Pandha Hardev , Wang Yuzhuo , Helgason Cheryl D.
Published: December 2015

Metastasis is the primary cause of death in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) have long been considered “housekeeping” genes with no relevance for cancer biology. Emerging evidence has challenged this assumption, suggesting that snoRNA expression is frequently modulated during cancer progression. Despite this, no study has systematically addressed the prognostic and functional significance of snoRNAs in PCa.

We performed RNA Sequencing on paired metastatic/non‐metastatic PCa xenografts derived from clinical specimens. The clinical significance of differentially expressed snoRNAs was further investigated in two independent primary PCa cohorts (131 and 43 patients, respectively). The snoRNA demonstrating the strongest association with clinical outcome was quantified in PCa patient‐derived serum samples and its functional relevance was investigated in PCa cells via gene expression profiling, pathway analysis and gene silencing.

Our comparison revealed 21 differentially expressed snoRNAs in the metastatic vs. non‐metastatic xenografts. Of those, 12 were represented in clinical databases and were further analyzed. SNORA55 emerged as a predictor of shorter relapse‐free survival (results confirmed in two independent databases). SNORA55 was reproducibly detectable in serum samples from PCa patients. SNORA55 silencing in PCa cell lines significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Pathway analysis revealed that SNORA55 expression is significantly associated with growth factor signaling and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression in PCa.

Our results demonstrate that SNORA55 up‐regulation predicts PCa progression and that silencing this non‐coding gene affects PCa cell proliferation and metastatic potential, thus positioning it as both a novel biomarker and therapeutic target.
Coupled vibrations of a meniscus and liquid films
Authors: Seiwert Jacopo , Pierre Juliette , Dollet Benjamin
Published: December 2015

We investigate the vibration properties of a circular horizontal film that is bounded by a meniscus (or Plateau border) and suspended between two catenary films. The suspending films act as capillary springs, and the system is thus free to oscillate around its equilibrium position. We study its free and forced oscillations. In our experiments, we track simultaneously the positions of the Plateau border and the film. The model that we present predicts the eigenfrequency of the system and its resonance characteristics (in forced oscillations). In particular, we show that the dynamics of both the Plateau border and the film have to be taken into account in order to provide an accurate prediction of the oscillation frequency.
Moving contact line dynamics: from diffuse to sharp interfaces
Authors: Kusumaatmaja H. , Hemingway E. J. , Fielding S. M.
Published: December 2015

We reconcile two scaling laws that have been proposed in the literature for the slip length associated with a moving contact line in diffuse interface models, by demonstrating each to apply in a different regime of the ratio of the microscopic interfacial width $l$ and the macroscopic diffusive length $l_{D}=(M{\it\eta})^{1/2}$, where ${\it\eta}$ is the fluid viscosity and $M$ the mobility governing intermolecular diffusion. For small $l_{D}/l$ we find a diffuse interface regime in which the slip length scales as ${\it\xi}\sim (l_{D}l)^{1/2}$. For larger $l_{D}/l>1$ we find a sharp interface regime in which the slip length depends only on the diffusive length, ${\it\xi}\sim l_{D}\sim (M{\it\eta})^{1/2}$, and therefore only on the macroscopic variables ${\it\eta}$ and $M$, independent of the microscopic interfacial width $l$. We also give evidence that modifying the microscopic interfacial terms in the model’s free energy functional appears to affect the value of the slip length only in the diffuse interface regime, consistent with the slip length depending only on macroscopic variables in the sharp interface regime. Finally, we demonstrate the dependence of the dynamic contact angle on the capillary number to be in excellent agreement with the theoretical prediction of Cox (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 168, 1986, p. 169), provided we allow the slip length to be rescaled by a dimensionless prefactor. This prefactor appears to converge to unity in the sharp interface limit, but is smaller in the diffuse interface limit. The excellent agreement of results obtained using three independent numerical methods, across several decades of the relevant dimensionless variables, demonstrates our findings to be free of numerical artefacts.
THE COUNTERPARTS TO STATEMENTS THAT ARE EQUIVALENT TO THE CONTINUUM HYPOTHESIS
Authors: TÖRNQUIST ASGER , WEISS WILLIAM
Published: December 2015

We consider natural ${\rm{\Sigma }}_2^1$ definable analogues of many of the classical statements that have been shown to be equivalent to CH. It is shown that these ${\rm{\Sigma }}_2^1$ analogues are equivalent to that all reals are constructible. We also prove two partition relations for ${\rm{\Sigma }}_2^1$ colourings which hold precisely when there is a non-constructible real.
OPTIMAL RESULTS ON RECOGNIZABILITY FOR INFINITE TIME REGISTER MACHINES
Authors: CARL MERLIN
Published: December 2015

Exploring further the properties of ITRM-recognizable reals started in [1], we provide a detailed analysis of recognizable reals and their distribution in Gödels constructible universe L. In particular, we show that new unrecognizable reals are generated at every index $\gamma \, \ge \,\omega _\omega ^{CK}$. We give a machine-independent characterization of recognizability by proving that a real r is recognizable if and only if it is ${\Sigma _1}$-definable over ${L_{\omega _\omega ^{CK,\,r}}}$ and that $r\, \in \,{L_{\omega _\omega ^{CK,\,r}}}$ for every recognizable real r and show that either every or no r with $r\, \in \,{L_{\omega _\omega ^{CK,\,r}}}$ generated over an index stage ${L_\gamma }$ is recognizable. Finally, the techniques developed along the way allow us to prove that the halting number for ITRMs is recognizable and that the set of ITRM-computable reals is not ITRM-decidable.
Triadic analysis of affiliation networks
Authors: BRUNSON JASON CORY
Published: December 2015

Triadic closure has been conceptualized and measured in a variety of ways, most famously the clustering coefficient. Existing extensions to affiliation networks, however, are sensitive to repeat group attendance, which does not reflect common interpersonal interpretations of triadic closure. This paper proposes a measure of triadic closure in affiliation networks designed to control for this factor, which manifests in bipartite models as biclique proliferation. To avoid arbitrariness, the paper introduces a triadic framework for affiliation networks, within which a range of measures can be defined; it then presents a set of basic axioms that suffice to narrow this range to the one measure. An instrumental assessment compares the proposed and two existing measures for reliability, validity, redundancy, and practicality. All three measures then take part in an investigation of three empirical social networks, which illustrates their differences.
Cross-sectional association between serum concentrations ofn-3 long-chain PUFA and depressive symptoms: results in Japanese community dwellers
Authors: Horikawa Chika , Otsuka Rei , Kato Yuki , Nishita Yukiko , Tange Chikako , Kakutani Saki , Rogi Tomohiro , Kawashima Hiroshi , Shibata Hiroshi , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

The effect ofn-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA) on depression in healthy subjects is unclear, and most of the previous studies have focused on populations eating Western diets with lower fish intake. The present study investigated the association between blood levels ofn-3 LCPUFA and depressive symptoms in Japanese community dwellers with highern-3 LCPUFA blood levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2006 to 2008, including 1050 men and 1073 women aged 40 years or older from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences – the Longitudinal Study of Aging. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the OR and 95 % CI for a CES-D score ≥16. Serum concentrations ofn-3 PUFA, but notn-6 PUFA, were inversely associated with depressive symptoms. Compared with the lowest quintile, the adjusted OR for serum EPA at the fourth and fifth quintiles were 0·55 (95 % CI 0·35, 0·85) and 0·64 (95 % CI 0·42, 0·98), respectively, and at the fifth quintile for DHA it was 0·58 (95 % CI 0·37, 0·92), for the presence of depressive symptoms (Pfor trend=0·013 and 0·011, respectively). Serum levels of EPA and DHA were inversely associated with depressive symptoms in Japanese community dwellers with higher blood levels ofn-3 LCPUFA, suggesting thatn-3 LCPUFA intakes corresponding to higher levels in a Japanese population may have implications for a lower prevalence of depression.
Probability and Bias in Generating Supersoluble Groups
Authors: Crestani Eleonora , De Franceschi Giovanni , Lucchini Andrea
Published: December 2015

We discuss some questions related to the generation of supersoluble groups. First we prove that the number of elements needed to generate a finite supersoluble groupGwith good probability can be quite a lot larger than the smallest cardinality d(G) of a generating set ofG. Indeed, ifGis the free prosupersoluble group of rankd⩾ 2 and dP(G) is the minimum integerksuch that the probability of generatingGwithkelements is positive, then dP(G) = 2d+ 1. In contrast to this, ifk–d(G) ⩾ 3, then the distribution of the first component in ak-tuple chosen uniformly in the set of all thek-tuples generatingGis not too far from the uniform distribution.
Solutions ofp-Laplace Equations with Infinite Boundary Values: The case of Non-Autonomous and Non-Monotone Nonlinearities
Authors: Karls Michael A. , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: December 2015

For a non-negative and non-trivial real-valued continuous functionhΩ× [0, ∞) such thath(x, 0) = 0 for allx∈Ω, we study the boundary-value problem

whereΩ⊆ ℝN,N⩾ 2, is a bounded smooth domain and Δp:= div(|Du|p–2DDu) is thep-Laplacian. This work investigates growth conditions onh(x, t) that would lead to the existence or non-existence of distributional solutions to (BVP). In a major departure from past works on similar problems, in this paper we do not impose any special structure on the inhomogeneous termh(x, t), nor do we require any monotonicity condition onhin the second variable. Furthermore,h(x, t) is allowed to vanish in either of the variables.
Ecological Degradation and Endangered Ethnicities: China's Minority Environmental Discourses as Manifested in Popular Songs
Authors: Baranovitch Nimrod
Published: December 2015

Much has been written in recent years about the environmental degradation in China's ethnic minority regions and the impact that this degradation and the policies that have been implemented to combat it have had on minority populations. To date, however, the research has focused mainly on the livelihood and lifestyle of minority herders and farmers. This article shifts the focus to the more symbolic realm of discourse and identity and to the minority educated urban elite, for whom this environmental degradation is linked primarily to ethnic politics. Based on an analysis of popular songs by famous Mongolian, Uyghur, and Tibetan musicians, along with interviews with the musicians who created them and other minority intellectuals, this article proposes that China's minority intellectuals have appropriated the global discourse of environmentalism to construct minority environmental discourses that they use to assert their ethnic identities, express ethnic concerns and aspirations, and make ethno-nationalist claims.