bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P NMR spectral parameters of some pyrophosphates
Authors: Haapaniemi Esa
Published: February 2017

The 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P NMR spectral parameters of some pyrophosphates were determined in CDCl3. The most complicated 1H spectrum can be solved fully only as (A3MN)R6XX′R6′(MNA3)′, where R6 (= ―N(CH3)2) is coupled only to phosphorus (X). Second‐order coupling between phosphorus was found and solved with iterative analysis. A signal shape of one of the carbon resonance cannot be explained only with couplings. Explanation for exceptional shape was searched from molecular modeling results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quisinostat treatment improves histone acetylation and developmental competence of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos
Authors: Jin Long , Guo Qing , Zhu Hai‐Ying , Xing Xiao‐Xu , Zhang Guang‐Lei , Xuan Mei‐Fu , Luo Qi‐Rong , Luo Zhao‐Bo , Wang Jun‐Xia , Yin Xi‐Jun , Kang Jin‐Dan
Published: February 2017

Abnormal epigenetic modifications are considered a main contributing factor to low cloning efficiency. In the present study, we explored the effects of quisinostat, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, on blastocyst formation rate in porcine somatic‐cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, on acetylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (AcH3K9), and on expression of POU5F1 protein and apoptosis‐related genes BAX and BCL2. Our results showed that treatment with 10 nM quisinostat for 24 hr significantly improved the development of reconstructed embryos compared to the untreated group (19.0 ± 1.6% vs. 10.2 ± 0.9%; p < 0.05). Quisinostat‐treated SCNT embryos also possessed significantly increased AcH3K9 at the pseudo‐pronuclear stage (p < 0.05), as well as improved immunostaining intensity for POU5F1 at the blastocyst stage (p < 0.05). While no statistical difference in BAX expression was observed, BCL2 transcript abundance was significantly different in the quisinostat‐treated compared to the untreated control group. Of the 457 quisinostat‐treated cloned embryos transferred into three surrogates, six fetuses developed from the one sow that became pregnant. These findings suggested that quisinostat can regulate gene expression and epigenetic modification, facilitating nuclear reprogramming, and subsequently improving the developmental competence of pig SCNT embryos and blastocyst quality.
Low‐load resistance training with low relative pressure produces muscular changes similar to high‐load resistance training
Authors: Kim Daeyeol , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Ye Xin , Bemben Debra A. , Beck Travis W. , Larson Rebecca D. , Bemben Michael G.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

This study compares the acute and chronic response of high‐load resistance training (HL) to low‐load resistance training with low blood flow restriction (LL‐BFR) pressure.

Methods

Participants completed elbow flexion with either HL or LL‐BFR or nonexercise. In the chronic study, participants in the HL and LL‐BFR groups were trained for 8 weeks to determine differences in muscle size and strength. The acute study examined the changes in pretesting/posttesting (Pre/Post) torque, muscle swelling, and blood lactate.

Results

In the chronic study, similar changes in muscle size and strength were observed for both HL and LL‐BFR. In the acute study, Pre/Post changes in the torque, muscle swelling, and blood lactate were similar between HL and LL‐BFR.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that pressure as low as 50% arterial occlusion can produce similar changes in muscle mass and strength compared with traditional HL. Muscle Nerve 56: E126–E133, 2017
Later stages of diabetic neuropathy affect the complexity of the neuromuscular system at the knee during low‐level isometric contractions
Authors: Suda Eneida Y. , Sacco Isabel C.N. , Hirata Rogerio P. , Samani Afshin , Kawamura Thiago T. , Madeleine Pascal
Published: February 2017

Introduction: This study evaluates the complexity of force and surface electromyography (sEMG) during knee extension and flexion at low‐level isometric contractions in individuals with different degrees of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: Ten control and 38 diabetic participants performed isometric contractions at 10%, 20%, and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction. Knee force and multichannel sEMG from vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris were acquired. The SD of force and sample entropy (SaEn) of both force and sEMG were computed. Results: Participants with moderate DPN demonstrated high force‐SD and low force‐SaEn. Severely affected participants showed low SaEn in VL at all force levels. Discussion: DPN affects the complexity of the neuromuscular system at the knee for the extension task during low‐level isometric contractions, with participants in the later stages of the disease (moderate and severe) demonstrating most of the changes. Muscle Nerve 57: 112–121, 2018
Electrical impedance myography in individuals with collagen 6 and laminin α‐2 congenital muscular dystrophy: a cross‐sectional and 2‐year analysis
Authors: Nichols Carmel , Jain Minal S. , Meilleur Katherine G. , Wu Tianxia , Collins James , Waite Melissa R. , Dastgir Jahannaz , Salman Anam , Donkervoort Sandra , Duong Tina , Keller Katherine , Leach Meganne E. , Lott Donovan J. , McGuire Michelle N. , Nelson Leslie , Rutkowski Anne , Vuillerot Carole , Bönnemann Carsten G. , Lehky Tanya J.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a noninvasive electrophysiological technique that characterizes muscle properties through bioimpedance. We compared EIM measurements to function, strength, and disease severity in a population with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD).

Methods

Forty‐one patients with CMD, either collagen 6 related disorders (COL6‐RD; n = 21) or laminin α‐2‐related disorders (LAMA2‐RD; n = 20), and 21 healthy pediatric controls underwent 2 yearly EIM exams. In the CMD cohorts, EIM was compared with functional and strength measurements.

Results

Both CMD cohorts exhibited change over time and had correlation with disease severity. The 50‐kHZ phase correlated well with function and strength in the COL6‐RD cohort but not in the LAMA2‐RD cohort.

Discussion

EIM is a potentially useful measure in clinical studies with CMD because of its sensitivity to change over a 1‐year period and correlation with disease severity. For COL6‐RD, there were also functional and strength correlations. Muscle Nerve 57: 54–60, 2018
Factors Holding Back Small Third Sector Organizations’ Engagement with the Local Public Sector
Authors: Thompson Piers , Williams Robert , Kwong Caleb
Published: February 2017

In many developed countries there has been a shift from grants to contracts as a source of local public sector funding of the third sector. Smaller third sector organizations may struggle to compete for this funding due to the complex process of accessing and maintaining this funding and conveying their capabilities to funding providers. This study utilizes data from the United Kingdom to determine what factors increase these administrative and communication barriers for smaller organizations. Resources in income and volunteers affect perceptions of the process of obtaining funding. A solution may be standardization of evaluation and monitoring, but this may lead to isomorphism and loss of variety of provision. Better two‐way communication may allow local authorities to retain variety in public service provision through improved knowledge of their partners.
A New Application of the Bioarchaeology of Care Approach: A Case Study from the Metal Period, the Philippines
Authors: Vlok M. , Paz V. , Crozier R. , Oxenham M.
Published: February 2017

A case of disability in the Metal Period of the Philippines, likely requiring healthcare from others, is presented to explore aspects of group dynamics in this period of antiquity. B243, a middle‐aged man excavated from the Napa site in the central Philippines, suffered severe trauma to the right leg resulting in considerable restrictions to mobility and self‐maintenance of survival‐related behaviours such as food provision and hygiene. It is likely that B243 required assistance from others to survive for some period of time prior to eventual death. The bioarchaeology of care method was applied to assess the types of healthcare that B243 likely required and to consider potential social and biological impacts to both B243 and his community. Provision of healthcare practice in this case suggests that B243's community had access to health‐related resources, knowledge on the treatment of his injuries and underlying values in the group for sustaining human life in the case of injury and disability. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internet‐delivered obesity treatment improves symptoms of and risk for depression
Authors: Naparstek Jacob , Wing Rena R. , Xu Xiaomeng , Leahey Tricia M.
Published: February 2017

Objective

In‐person lifestyle interventions for obesity treatment yield significant improvements in depression. These improvements may be attributed to the excellent weight losses produced by in‐person interventions. In contrast, Internet programs yield more modest weight losses, and their effect on depression is unknown. This study is the first to examine whether Internet‐delivered obesity treatment impacts depressive symptoms.

Methods

Participants (N = 136) were randomized to either a community campaign plus Internet behavioral weight loss (IBWL) or community campaign alone (Control). IBWL did not include online social support components. A measure of depressive symptoms was administered, and weight was objectively assessed.

Results

Of the total sample, 24% met the clinical cutoff for elevated depression risk at baseline. IBWL participants lost more weight during treatment (P = 0.005) and experienced significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms (P = 0.02). Among participants who met the clinical cutoff for elevated risk for depression at baseline, those assigned to IBWL had greater improvements in depressive symptoms during treatment compared to Control (P = 0.033). Consequently, at post‐treatment, a smaller percentage of IBWL participants were at elevated risk for depression.

Conclusions

This study is the first to show that Internet‐delivered obesity treatment improves depression risk and depressive symptoms in individuals with overweight or obesity.
Genomic variants at 20p11 associated with body fat mass in the European population
Authors: Pei Yu‐Fang , Ren Hai‐Gang , Liu Lu , Li Xiao , Fang Chen , Huang Yun , Hu Wen‐Zhu , Kong Wei‐Wen , Feng An‐Ping , You Xin‐Yi , Zhao Wen , Shen Hui , Tian Qing , Zhang Yong‐Hong , Deng Hong‐Wen , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2017

Objective

Body fat mass (BFM) is more homogeneous and accurate than body total mass in measuring obesity but has rarely been studied. Aiming to uncover the genetic basis of fat‐induced obesity, a genome‐wide association meta‐analysis of BFM, after adjustment by body lean mass, was performed in the European population.

Methods

Three samples of European ancestry were included in the meta‐analysis: the Framingham Heart Study (N = 6,004), the Kansas City osteoporosis study (N = 2,207), and the Omaha osteoporosis study (N = 968).

Results

At the genome‐wide significance level (α = 5.0×10−8), a cluster of 10 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at chromosomal region 20p11 that were associated with BFM (lead SNP rs2069126, P = 1.82×10−9, closest gene SLC24A3) was identified in 9,179 subjects. One of the top SNPs, rs6046308 (P = 3.74×10−8), was found to be nominally significant for body fat percentage in another independent study (P = 0.03, N = 75,888) and was reported to transregulate the expression of the MPZ gene at 1q23.3 (unadjusted P = 9.78×10−6, N = 1,490). Differential gene expression analysis demonstrated that SLC24A3 and CFAP61 at the identified locus were differentially expressed in tissues of people with versus without obesity (P = 3.40×10−5 and 8.72×10−4, N = 126 and 70), implying their potential role in fat development.

Conclusions

These results may provide new insights into the biological mechanism that underlies fat‐induced obesity pathology.
A robust control system scheme based on model predictive controller (MPC) for continuous‐time systems
Authors: Ghaffari Valiollah
Published: February 2017

In this paper, an LMI framework based on model predictive strategy is addressed to design a robust dynamical control law in a typical control system. In the proposed method, instead of traditional static controller, a dynamic control law is used. With a suitable matrix transformation, the controller parameters selection are translated into an optimization problem with some LMI constraints. The plant input and output constraints are also handled with another LMIs. The controller is represented in state space form, and its parameters are computed in real‐time operation. For achieving this goal, by solving an optimization problem, a dynamic controller is designed, which meets the required plant performances. These results are used in 2 numerical examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Correlation between Chemical Stability and Binder Network Structure in NEPE Propellant
Authors: Wu Wan'e , Chen Chen , Fu Xiao , Ding Chao , Wang Guang
Published: February 2017

The correlation between chemical stability and binder network structure is investigated to explore the aging mechanism of NEPE propellant. Through 70 °C aging storage experiments, propellant samples of different aging time periods are obtained every 7 days. The relative contents of MNA, NG, and BTTN are measured as the characteristic parameters of chemical stability. Gel fractions and cross‐linking densities are detected as the characteristic parameters of binder network structure properties. Experimental results show that: (1) MNA content decreases slowly from 0 to 35 days and has a quadratic function relationship with time, then quickly drops linearly from 36 to 77 days, and the contents of NG and BTTN decrease as cubic function relationships with time. When aging to 56 days, the chemical stability of propellant becomes worse; (2) the gel fraction and cross‐linking density increase at first, then decrease as time lapses, the decline rate of gel fraction and cross‐linking density increase after 67 days and 63 days, respectively; and (3) the aging of structural performance lags behind the aging of chemical stability. The network structure parameters decrease logarithmically with MNA content, and the contents of nitrate esters have quadratic function relationships with gel fraction and cubic function relationships with cross‐linking density. In summary, excellent chemical stability plays a positive role in maintaining good network structure in the process of propellant storage.
Thermal Decomposition Research on 1,5‐Diazabicyclo[3.1.0] Hexane (DABH) as a Potential Low‐toxic Liquid Hypergolic Propellant
Authors: Zhang Xing , Shen Lianhua , Jiang Rongpei , Sun Haiyun , Fang Tao , Liu Zhaoyang , Liu Jiuzhou , Fan Huili
Published: February 2017

1,5‐Diazabicyclo[3.1.0] hexane (DABH) was found a potential hypergolic liquid propellant. The physical and energetic properties of DABH, 2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl azide (DMAZ), and monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) were compared. The ignition delay time of DABH with nitrogen tetroxide was 1 ms, which was shorter than DMAZ and similar with MMH. The toxicology experiment showed that half lethal dose (LD50) of DABH was 621.0 mg kg−1, which suggested that DABH was promising to be used as low‐toxic liquid propellant. Thermal decomposition experiments showed that the apparent activation energy (E) was about 66.3 kJ mol−1. The thermal decomposition calculated results from Madhusudanan‐Krishnan‐Ninan integration, Satava‐Sestak integration and Achar differential methods were compared and the pre‐exponential factor were obtained.
Numerical Study on Thermal Safety of Emulsion Matrix in Emulsifier
Authors: Wang Li Qiong , Zhang Yi Bo
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study is to research the effect of high speed stirring by emulsifier blades on the thermal safety of emulsion matrix. In order to analyze thermal safety of emulsion matrix in emulsifying process, the heating effect influenced by rotor speed and emulsify temperature was combined with self‐heat properties of emulsion matrix in this study. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used for analysis. The emulsifier model adopts simplified CYJ type emulsifier, which is a kind of vertical emulsifier and has a large stirring area. The self‐heat properties of emulsion matrix are described by Arrhenius equation. The simulation results showed that heat could not accumulate in emulsion matrix due to the strong turbulence formed by stirring. But, because of the shear stress and friction, a high temperature region will be formed around the blades of the rotor in a short time. If the stirring speed reaches 10300 rpm, the temperature in this region would be able to reach the critical ignition temperature of emulsion matrix.
Androgen Receptor Splice Variants Are Not Substrates of Nonsense‐Mediated Decay
Authors: Ajiboye Atinuke S. , Esopi David , Yegnasubramanian Srinivasan , Denmeade Samuel R.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Androgen receptor (AR) splice variants have been clinically associated with progressive cancer, castration‐resistance, and resistance to AR antagonists and androgen synthesis inhibitors. AR variants can be generated by genomic alterations and alternative splicing, and their expression is androgen‐regulated. There has been a suggestion that AR variants bearing premature termination codons and coding for truncated proteins should be regulated by the nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD) mRNA surveillance pathway, suggesting that either the NMD pathway is dysfunctional in variant‐expressing cell lines or that variants are somehow able to evade degradation by NMD.

METHODS

We first used siRNA knockdown of the NMD regulator, UPF1, in an NMD reporter assay to determine if this surveillance pathway is functioning normally in AR variant‐expressing cell lines. We then used UPF1 knockdown to determine if expression of the AR variants ARV3 and ARV7 is affected by inhibition of NMD. Next, we analyzed androgen regulation of UPF1 and used transcript expression analysis to determine if there is any association between UPF1 expression, resistance, and ARV3 or ARV7 expression.

RESULTS

We found that the NMD pathway functions normally in the AR variant‐expressing cell line 22Rv1 and that inhibition of NMD does not increase expression of ARV3 or ARV7. Furthermore, we found that expression of UPF1 is not androgen‐regulated. We also found that UFP1 expression levels do not differentiate castration‐sensitive from resistant cell line and that UPF1 expression does not correlate with expression of ARV3 or ARV7 in cells in which these variants are highly expressed.

CONCLUSION

This study eliminates a possible mechanism of regulation of certain AR variants. Future research into the regulation of AR variants should focus on other mechanisms to better understand the origin of these variants and to possibly inhibit their expression for the resensitization of resistant cancers. Prostate 77:829–837, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational insight on the chalcone formation mechanism by the Claisen–Schmidt reaction
Authors: Enchev Venelin , Mehandzhiyski Aleksandar Y.
Published: February 2017

New insight of the formation mechanism of chalcones is presented in the current study. Ab initio calculations were applied in studying the mechanistic pathways for the base‐catalyzed Claisen–Schmidt condensation for obtaining chalcones (1,3‐diphenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐ons). The energies of the stationary points along the reaction coordinate were obtained at two levels of theory—MP2/6‐31 + G(d,p) and SCS‐MP2/6‐31 + G(d,p). The role of water in the reaction mechanisms is examined. The theoretical results show that the process is catalyzed by an ancillary water molecule. The reaction mechanism, proposed in this study, consists of two reactions—an activation of the acetophenone by a removal of proton is followed by the attack of the formed acetophenone anion to the aromatic aldehyde, which through few steps leads to the formation of the final product—chalcone. The first reaction proceeds very fast in one step while the second reaction goes through four steps and three intermediate complexes before the formation of the final product.
A new OFRMPC formulation with on‐line synthesis of the dynamic output feedback controller
Authors: Colombo Junior José Roberto , Galvão Roberto Kawakami Harrop , Assunção Edvaldo
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a new approach for the design of output feedback robust model predictive control (OFRMPC) with a dynamic output feedback controller (DOFC) for linear uncertain systems subject to input and output constraints. The main contribution of this work is the full on‐line synthesis of the DOFC as part of a convex optimization problem, with constraint satisfaction and asymptotic stability guarantees. A numerical example is employed to illustrate the advantage of the proposed control law, as compared with another OFRMPC strategy with partial DOFC synthesis. The present paper also points out an inconsistency in the mathematical development of a previous related OFRMPC formulation (‘improved dynamic output feedback RMPC for linear uncertain systems with input constraints’). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Promotes Cell Survival During Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Inhibition Through Increased Maintenance of Cellular Energy Stores
Authors: Kropp Erin M. , Broniowska Katarzyna A. , Waas Matthew , Nycz Alyssa , Corbett John A. , Gundry Rebekah L.
Published: February 2017

To address concerns regarding the tumorigenic potential of undifferentiated human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) that may remain after in vitro differentiation and ultimately limit the broad use of hPSC-derivatives for therapeutics, we recently described a method to selectively eliminate tumorigenic hPSC from their progeny by inhibiting nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). Limited exposure to NAMPT inhibitors selectively removes hPSC from hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CM) and spares a wide range of differentiated cell types; yet, it remains unclear when and how cells acquire resistance to NAMPT inhibition during differentiation. In this study, we examined the effects of NAMPT inhibition among multiple time points of cardiomyocyte differentiation. Overall, these studies show that in vitro cardiomyogenic commitment and continued culturing provides resistance to NAMPT inhibition and cell survival is associated with the ability to maintain cellular ATP pools despite depletion of NAD levels. Unlike cells at earlier stages of differentiation, day 28 hPSC-CM can survive longer periods of NAMPT inhibition and maintain ATP generation by glycolysis and/or mitochondrial respiration. This is distinct from terminally differentiated fibroblasts, which maintain mitochondrial respiration during NAMPT inhibition. Overall, these results provide new mechanistic insight into how regulation of cellular NAD and energy pools change with hPSC-CM differentiation and further inform how NAMPT inhibition strategies could be implemented within the context of cardiomyocyte differentiation.
Sustainable Development and Performance Measurement: Global Productivity Decomposition
Authors: Kurniawan Robi , Managi Shunsuke
Published: February 2017

This paper analyzes productivity and efficiency by using inclusive wealth as a sustainability measurement. The study extends current measures of sustainability by capturing the efficient utilization of natural capital and other conventional inputs as input and carbon damage as undesirable output in a productivity measure for 140 countries from 1995 to 2010. To determine the contribution of each input/output to productivity and technical efficiency, we applied a weighted Russell directional distance and a Luenberger productivity measure. We found that GDP, natural capital and carbon damage are the main contributors to productivity change. Natural capital and carbon damage remain significant burdens for many countries' performance, especially for countries with resource‐driven economies and extreme vulnerability to climatic shifts. This finding enhances our understanding of how particular countries can measure and manage their sustainability. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Dose–response modeling in mental health using stein‐like estimators with instrumental variables
Authors: Ginestet Cedric E. , Emsley Richard , Landau Sabine
Published: February 2017

A mental health trial is analyzed using a dose–response model, in which the number of sessions attended by the patients is deemed indicative of the dose of psychotherapeutic treatment. Here, the parameter of interest is the difference in causal treatment effects between the subpopulations that take part in different numbers of therapy sessions. For this data set, interactions between random treatment allocation and prognostic baseline variables provide the requisite instrumental variables. While the corresponding two‐stage least squares (TSLS) estimator tends to have smaller bias than the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimator; the TSLS suffers from larger variance. It is therefore appealing to combine the desirable properties of the OLS and TSLS estimators. Such a trade‐off is achieved through an affine combination of these two estimators, using mean squared error as a criterion. This produces the semi‐parametric Stein‐like (SPSL) estimator as introduced by Judge and Mittelhammer (2004). The SPSL estimator is used in conjunction with multiple imputation with chained equations, to provide an estimator that can exploit all available information. Simulated data are also generated to illustrate the superiority of the SPSL estimator over its OLS and TSLS counterparts. A package entitled SteinIV implementing these methods has been made available through the R platform. © 2017 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Engaging with socially acute questions: Development and validation of an interactional reasoning framework
Authors: Morin Olivier , Simonneaux Laurence , Tytler Russell
Published: February 2017

Scientific expertise and outcomes often give rise to controversy. An educational response that equips students to take part in socioscientific discussions is the teaching of Socially Acute Questions (SAQs). Students engaging with SAQs need to engage with socio scientific reasoning, which involves reasoning with evidence from a variety of fields other than science, including values, economics, local and global perspectives, governance issues, and a variety of stakeholder perspectives. This paper describes research in which tertiary students from France and Australia engaging with sustainability SAQs reasoned responses in wikis. In previous analyses (Morin et al., 2013), we have developed a six‐dimensional framework of socioscientific sustainability reasoning (S3R). In this paper, we describe the development of an interactional reasoning framework that captures the quality of reasoning in the online discussions that led to specific improvement in S3R. The framework draws on and extends the discourse framework of Mercer, and Habermas’ three worlds of validity of arguments to identify first that a particular category—integrated exploratory talk—is associated with improvement in S3R, and that this almost exclusively involves exchanges drawing on personal and social evidence claims as well as technical. We explore the implications for supporting collaborative decision making in socio scientific issues, for democratic participation and for post normal science education. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 825–851, 2017
Role of miRNAs in human disease and inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Rivera‐Barahona Ana , Pérez Belén , Richard Eva , Desviat Lourdes R.
Published: February 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally by base pairing with target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). They are estimated to target ∼60% of all human protein‐coding genes and are involved in regulating key physiological processes and intracellular signaling pathways. They also exhibit tissue specificity, and their dysregulation is linked to the progression of pathology. Identifying disease associated miRNAs and their respective targets provides novel molecular insight into disease, enabling the design of new therapeutic strategies. Notably, miRNAs are present in stable form in biological fluids, making them amenable to routine clinical processing and analysis, which has paved the way for their use as novel biomarkers of disease and response to therapy. One of the most relevant findings in miRNA research concerns the therapeutic modulation of specific miRNA levels in vitro and in vivo, which has led to miRNA‐based drugs entering clinical trials. Most studies relative to miRNA profiling, association with pathology, and therapeutical modulation have been conducted for cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. However, for different monogenic diseases, including inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), research contributing to alterations to physiopathology caused by miRNAs is steadily increasing. Herein, we review the biogenesis pathway and mode of miRNA action, their known roles in disease states, and use of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers, describing the available research tools for basic and clinical studies. In addition, we summarize recent literature on miRNA studies in inherited metabolic diseases.
Soybean and Soybean/Beef‐Tallow Biodiesel: A Comparative Study on Oxidative Degradation During Long‐Term Storage
Authors: Pereira Gustavo G. , Garcia Rita K. A. , Ferreira Lucas L. , Barrera‐Arellano Daniel
Published: February 2017

Vegetable oils are the primary raw materials used in biodiesel production; however, they usually present oxidative stabilities inferior to the EN 14214 specifications. An alternative to improve the oxidative quality of vegetable oil biodiesel is blending it with animal fat biodiesel. In this paper, we studied the oxidative degradation of soybean/beef‐tallow biodiesel (SB) 70/30 and 50/50 (w/w) during long‐term storage. Soybean biodiesel (SO) was used as a control sample. The biodiesel samples were stored for 350 days and analyzed periodically via oxidative stability, tocopherol content, peroxide value, polar compounds, and kinematic viscosity. The results showed that SB 70/30 and 50/50 biodiesel samples presented higher oxidative stabilities than SO biodiesel. Additionally, the blends met the limits proposed by EN 14214 for oxidative stability (8 h). During long‐term storage, the SB biodiesel showed greater resistance to oxidative degradation, which was indicated by the lower formation of hydroperoxides and polar compounds. Similarly, the decline in the tocopherol content was slower in SB biodiesel. Blends of soybean and beef‐tallow biodiesel at levels of 70/30 and 50/50 are, therefore, proper alternatives to improve the oxidative quality of this biofuel.
The Practice of Shared Responsibility in International Law
Authors: Schechinger Jessica
Published: February 2017

This is the third book in the series Shared Responsibility in International Law, which examines the problem of distribution of responsibilities among multiple states and other actors. In its work on the responsibility of states and international organisations, the International Law Commission recognised that attribution of acts to one actor does not exclude possible attribution of the same act to another state or organisation. Recognising that the applicable rules and procedures for shared responsibility may differ between particular issue areas, this volume reviews the practice of states, international organisations, courts and other bodies that have dealt with the issue of international responsibility of multiple wrongdoing actors in a wide range of issue areas, including energy, extradition, investment law, NATO-led operations and fisheries. These analyses jointly assess the fit of the prevailing principles of international responsibility and provide a basis for reform and further development of international law.
What Goes Up... Gravity and Scientific Method
Authors: Kosso Peter
Published: February 2017

The concept of gravity provides a natural phenomenon that is simultaneously obvious and obscure; we all know what it is, but rarely question why it is. The simple observation that 'what goes up must come down' contrasts starkly with our current scientific explanation of gravity, which involves challenging and sometimes counterintuitive concepts. With such extremes between the plain and the perplexing, gravity forces a sharp focus on scientific method. Following the history of gravity from Aristotle to Einstein, this clear account highlights the logic of scientific method for non-specialists. Successive theories of gravity and the evidence for each are presented clearly and rationally, focusing on the fundamental ideas behind them. Using only high-school level algebra and geometry, the author emphasizes what the equations mean rather than how they are derived, making this accessible for all those curious about gravity and how science really works.
Developing the Fourth Evaluation Dimension: A Protocol for Evaluation of Video From the Patient’s Perspective During Major Incident Exercises
Authors: Haverkort J.J. Mark , Leenen Luke P.H.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Presently used evaluation techniques rely on 3 traditional dimensions: reports from observers, registration system data, and observational cameras. Some of these techniques are observer-dependent and are not reproducible for a second review. This proof-of-concept study aimed to test the feasibility of extending evaluation to a fourth dimension, the patient’s perspective.

Methods

Footage was obtained during a large, full-scale hospital trauma drill. Two mock victims were equipped with point-of-view cameras filming from the patient’s head. Based on the Major Incident Hospital’s first experience during the drill, a protocol was developed for a prospective, standardized method to evaluate a hospital’s major incident response from the patient’s perspective. The protocol was then tested in a second drill for its feasibility.

Results

New insights were gained after review of the footage. The traditional observer missed some of the evaluation points, which were seen on the point-of-view cameras. The information gained from the patient’s perspective proved to be implementable into the designed protocol.

Conclusion

Use of point-of-view camera recordings from a mock patient’s perspective is a valuable addition to traditional evaluation of trauma drills and trauma care. Protocols should be designed to optimize and objectify judgement of such footage. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:594–599)
Assessing the Likelihood of Hand-to-Hand Cross-Transmission of Bacteria: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Pires Daniela , Soule Hervé , Gayet-Ageron Angèle , Pittet Didier
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Although the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) are implicated in most episodes of healthcare-associated infections, the correlation between hand contamination and the likelihood of cross-transmission remains unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a laboratory-based study involving pairs of HCWs. The hands of a HCW (transmitter) were contaminated with Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 before holding hands with another HCW (host) for 1 minute. Meanwhile, the unheld hand of the transmitter was sampled. Afterward, the host’s held hand was also sampled. Each experiment consisted of 4 trials with increasing concentrations of E. coli (103–106 colony-forming units [cfu]/mL). The primary outcome was the likelihood of transmission of at least 1 cfu from transmitter to host. We used a mixed logistic regression model with a random effect on the subject to assess the association between transmission and bacterial count on the transmitter’s hands.

RESULTS

In total, 6 HCWs performed 30 experiments and 120 trials. The bacterial counts recovered from host hands were directly associated with the bacterial counts on transmitter hands (P<.001). The probability of cross-transmission was 8.22 higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98–68.8) when transmitter hand bacterial count was >1 and ≤3 log10 cfu compared to ≤1 log10. When transmitter contamination was <1 log10 cfu, no cross-transmission was detected.

CONCLUSION

There is a direct relationship between the bacterial burden on HCWs hands and the likelihood of cross-transmission. Under the described conditions, at least 1 log10 cfu must be present on HCW hands to be potentially transmitted. Further studies are needed at the low contamination range.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:553–558
Small-Scale Effects on the Buckling of Skew Nanoplates Based on Non-Local Elasticity and Second-Order Strain Gradient Theory
Authors: Shahriari B. , Shirvani S.
Published: February 2017

In recent years, nanostructures have been used in a vast number of applications, making the study of the mechanical behaviour of such structures important. In this paper, two different constitutive equations including first-order strain gradient and simplified differential non-local are employed to model the buckling behaviour of skew nanoplates. The Galerkin method is used for solving the equations in order to obtain buckling load. Using this method, the influence of different parameters consisting of non-classical properties, boundary conditions, and geometrical parameters such as length and angle on the buckling load, are studied. The results showed that small-scale effects are very important in skew graphene sheets and their inclusion results in smaller buckling loads.
Phylogenetic taxonomy and classification of the Crinoidea (Echinodermata)
Authors: Wright David F. , Ausich William I. , Cole Selina R. , Peter Mark E. , Rhenberg Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2017

A major goal of biological classification is to provide a system that conveys phylogenetic relationships while facilitating lucid communication among researchers. Phylogenetic taxonomy is a useful framework for defining clades and delineating their taxonomic content according to well-supported phylogenetic hypotheses. The Crinoidea (Echinodermata) is one of the five major clades of living echinoderms and has a rich fossil record spanning nearly a half billion years. Using principles of phylogenetic taxonomy and recent phylogenetic analyses, we provide the first phylogeny-based definition for the Clade Crinoidea and its constituent subclades. A series of stem- and node-based definitions are provided for all major taxa traditionally recognized within the Crinoidea, including the Camerata, Disparida, Hybocrinida, Cladida, Flexibilia, and Articulata. Following recommendations proposed in recent revisions, we recognize several new clades, including the Eucamerata Cole 2017, Porocrinoidea Wright 2017, and Eucladida Wright 2017. In addition, recent phylogenetic analyses support the resurrection of two names previously abandoned in the crinoid taxonomic literature: the Pentacrinoidea Jaekel, 1918 and Inadunata Wachsmuth and Springer, 1885. Last, a phylogenetic perspective is used to inform a comprehensive revision of the traditional rank-based classification. Although an attempt was made to minimize changes to the rank-based system, numerous changes were necessary in some cases to achieve monophyly. These phylogeny-based classifications provide a useful template for paleontologists, biologists, and non-experts alike to better explore evolutionary patterns and processes with fossil and living crinoids.
Antonio Bresciani and the sects: conspiracy myths in an intransigent Catholic response to the Risorgimento
Authors: Dickie John
Published: February 2017

Antonio Bresciani’s notorious trilogy of novels about the revolutions of 1848, starting withL’Ebreo di Verona, first appeared in the earliest issues of the Jesuit periodicalLa Civiltà Cattolicafrom 1850. They constitute an intransigentist attack on the Risorgimento, and portray the events of 1848–1849 as the result of a satanically inspired conspiracy by secret societies. This article re-analyses those novels by placing Bresciani in the context of the ‘culture war’ between lay and religious world views across Europe from the middle of the nineteenth century. The article argues that Bresciani represents a significant case study in the intransigent Catholic response to the kind of patriotic motifs identified by the recent cultural historiography on the Risorgimento. The ‘paranoid style’ of Bresciani’s conspiracy myth is analysed, as is Bresciani’s portrayal of Garibaldi, female fighters, and Jews – in particular the tale of Christian conversion presented inL’Ebreo di Verona. The article argues that, despite its polarising, reactionary intentions, Bresciani’s fiction betrayed many influences from the Romantic culture of the Risorgimento that he claimed to despise.
The cultural foundations of political support in eastern Sicily: Mafia clans, political power and the Lombardo case
Authors: Vesco Antonio
Published: February 2017

From 2008 Sicily’s president was Raffaele Lombardo, leader of theMovimento per le Autonomie(MpA), a party founded by politicians who were already well established in the city of Catania and its province. In the summer of 2012 Lombardo’s government was forced to resign following an investigation that exposed the connections between the president and Mafia families in eastern Sicily. This article draws on two ethnographic studies carried out in Catania between 2009 and 2013: in describing the political behaviour and power relations between voters, local councillors and MpA executive officers, the research examined the tendency to internalise the widely understood narrative about politics and patronage in Sicily that Lombardo and his colleagues embodied. By relating ethnographic data to the legal documents showing the links between MpA leaders and Cosa Nostra bosses, I argue that social and cultural support for the party will have included support from local Mafia members.
‘In America è vietato essere brutte’: advertising American beauty in the Italian women’s magazineAnnabella, 1945–1965
Authors: Harris Jessica L.
Published: February 2017

This article examines how the American conception of female beauty introduced new and distinct understandings of beauty and femininity to postwar Italy. In analysing beauty product advertisements from one of the most popular women’s magazines of the period,Annabella, the article articulates the components of the American beauty ideal and illustrates how these notions broke with previous Italian ideas of beauty. Moreover, the article also examines how this new ideal promoted democratic consumer capitalist values – freedom of choice, individualism, and affluence – which had an important political and cultural significance in Italy’s Cold War struggle. In light of this struggle and the country’s postwar redevelopment, the American beauty ideal sought to influence the women who readAnnabellaand the way in which they fashioned and identified themselves – as the Italian ‘Mrs Consumer.’
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PSEUDO ALMOST PERIODIC FUNCTIONS DEFINED ON TIME SCALES AND ON THE REAL LINE
Authors: TANG CHAO-HONG , LI HONG-XU
Published: February 2017

A necessary and sufficient condition for a continuous function $g$ to be almost periodic on time scales is the existence of an almost periodic function $f$ on $\mathbb{R}$ such that $f$ is an extension of $g$. Our aim is to study this question for pseudo almost periodic functions. We prove the necessity of the condition for pseudo almost periodic functions. An example is given to show that the sufficiency of the condition does not hold for pseudo almost periodic functions. Nevertheless, the sufficiency is valid for uniformly continuous pseudo almost periodic functions. As applications, we give some results on the connection between the pseudo almost periodic (or almost periodic) solutions of dynamic equations on time scales and of the corresponding differential equations.
Heat Kernel Estimates Under the Ricci–Harmonic Map Flow
Authors: Băileşteanu Mihai , Tran Hung
Published: February 2017

This paper considers the Ricci flow coupled with the harmonic map flow between two manifolds. We derive estimates for the fundamental solution of the corresponding conjugate heat equation and we prove an analogue of Perelman's differential Harnack inequality. As an application, we find a connection between the entropy functional and the best constant in the Sobolev embedding theorem in ℝn.
On the Range Inclusion for Normal Derivations on C*-algebras
Authors: Magajna Bojan
Published: February 2017

For a von Neumann subalgebra $A \, \subseteq \, {\cal B}({\cal H})$ and any two elements a, b ∈ A with a normal, such that the corresponding derivations da and db satisfy the condition ‖db(x)‖ ≤ ‖da(x)‖ for all x ∈ A, there exist completely bounded (a)ʹ-bimodule map $\varphi : {\cal B}({\cal H}) \rightarrow {\cal B}({\cal H})$ such that db|A = φ da|A=daφ|A. (In particular db(A) ⊆ da(A).) Moreover, if A is a factor, then φ can be taken to be normal and these equalities hold on ${\cal B}({\cal H})$ instead of just on A. This result is not true for general (even primitive) C*-algebras ${\cal A}$.
Diet of three shark species in the Ecuadorian Pacific, Carcharhinus falciformis, Carcharhinus limbatus and Nasolamia velox
Authors: Estupiñán-Montaño Colombo , Pacheco-Triviño Fabian , Cedeño-Figueroa Luis G. , Galván-Magaña Felipe , Estupiñán-Ortiz Jose F.
Published: February 2017

We analysed the stomach contents of 69 silky sharks Carcharhinus falciformis, 44 blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus and 24 whitenose sharks Nasolamia velox caught in the Ecuadorian Pacific from August 2003 to December 2004. Prey included bony fishes, elasmobranchs, molluscs, crustaceans and turtles, with bony fishes being the most important to the diets of all three sharks, suggesting they are piscivorous predators. Based on the index of relative importance, the C. falciformis diet includes Thunnus albacares, Thunnus sp. and Auxis thazard, as well as some squid, fish and turtles. Similarly, the C. limbatus diet was dominated by T. albacares, Exocoetus monocirrhus, A. thazard, Katsuwonus pelamis, members of the Ophichthidae family and other elasmobranchs. Meanwhile, N. velox consumed mainly Dosidicus gigas, Larimus argenteus, Cynoscion sp. and Lophiodes spilurus. There is little competition for food between these tertiary carnivores: C. limbatus prefers prey from coastal-oceanic habitats; C. falciformis consumes mostly oceanic prey and N. velox focuses on prey from coastal habitats. The lack of information on the biology of sharks in Ecuador hinders the development of appropriate management and conservation plans to protect shark resources. This study increases our knowledge and understanding of sharks in Ecuador, thus contributing to their conservation.