bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Aspects of Electrochemical Detection of Amyloid‐β Aggregation
Authors: Suprun Elena V. , Khmeleva Svetlana A. , Kiseleva Yana Y. , Radko Sergey P. , Archakov Alexander I. , Shumyantseva Victoria V.
Published: March 2016

The tyrosine based electrochemical analysis of synthetic amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide – an analog of natural peptide implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis – was applied for a quantitative estimation of peptide aggregation in vitro. The analysis was carried out by square wave voltammetry (SWV) on carbon screen printed electrodes (SPE). The electrooxidation peak current (Ip) for Aβ42 peptide in different aggregation states was directly compared with the size and structure of Aβ42 aggregates occurring in the analyzed sample. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and thioflavin T (ThT) based fluorescence assay were employed to estimate the size and structure of Aβ42 aggregates. The Ip was found to decrease in a linear fashion when the average diameter of aggregates and the relative ThT fluorescence in Aβ42 solutions exceeded 35 nm and 3, respectively, while being nearly constant below these values. It was suggested that the electrooxidation current is mostly generated by peptide monomers and that a depletion of the monomer pool due to inclusion of Aβ42 molecules in aggregates is responsible for the decrease of electrooxidation current. The direct electrochemistry is emerging as a method complementary to methods based on aggregates’ detection and commonly employed for monitoring Aβ aggregation. The work further enlarges the basis for application of the cost‐effective and rapid electrochemical techniques, such as SWV on carbon SPE, to in vitro studies of Aβ aggregation.
Evaluation of performance of non‐invasive upgrade strategy for beam–column sub‐assemblages of poorly designed structures under seismic type loading
Authors: Sasmal Saptarshi , Nath Dikshita
Published: March 2016

Beam–column sub‐assemblages are the one of the most vulnerable structural elements to the seismic loading and may lead to devastating consequences. In order to improve the performance of the poorly/under‐designed building structures to the critical loading scenarios, introduction of steel bracing at the RC beam–column joint is found to be one of the modern and implementable techniques. In the present work, a diagonal metallic single haunch/bracing system is introduced at the beam–column joints to provide an alternate load path and to protect the joint zone from extensive damage because of brittle shear failure. In this paper, an investigation is reported on the evaluation of tae influence of different parameters, such as angle of inclination, location of bracing and axial stiffness of the single steel bracing on improving the performance through altering the force transfer mechanism. Numerical investigations on the performance of the beam–column sub‐assemblages have been carried out under cyclic loading using non‐linear finite element analysis. Experimentally validated numerical models (both GLD and upgraded specimen) have been further used for evaluating the performance of various upgrade schemes. Cyclic behaviour of reinforcement, concrete modelling based on fracture energy, bond‐slip relations between concrete and steel reinforcement have been incorporated. The study also includes the numerical investigation of crack and failure patterns, ultimate load carrying capacity, load displacement hysteresis, energy dissipation and ductility. The findings of the present study would be helpful to the engineers to develop suitable, feasible and efficient upgrade schemes for poorly designed structures under seismic loading. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing Rural Landscapes of the Last Three Millennia at Santiago Tlalpan, Tlaxcala, Mexico
Authors: Borejsza Aleksander , McClung de Tapia Emily , Vázquez Selem Lorenzo , Adriano Morán Cristina , Castro Govea Renato , Rodríguez López Isabel
Published: March 2016

We combine on‐ and off‐site research in a 9 km2drainage in the Mexican highlands to reconstruct its settlement and land use history. We examine colluvial, alluvial, and volcanic sediments, as well as charcoal assemblages from alluvium and test pits excavated at the village of Calaveras, settled by 500 B.C. Between that date and A.D. 1000 swiddening practices stripped the drainage of its pre‐agricultural soil cover, filling streams with deposits up to 12 m thick. This transformation favored the replacement of oak by pine as the dominant species in old fields. There is no archaeological site dated to A.D. 100–1000, but continued human presence is attested by the charcoal‐rich alluvium, and isolated features, artifacts, and ecofacts in off‐site contexts. Around A.D. 1050 ash erupted from Popocatepetl volcano rejuvenated the soil cover. Slopes were terraced and occupied by dispersed farmsteads. Soon after Spanish Conquest epidemics decimated the rural population. The resulting terrace abandonment and collapse led to widespread gullying, the exposure of underlying duripans, and the formation of a ubiquitous colluvial mantle. Erosion and grazing likely favored the expansion of juniper. Agriculture was intensified and disintensified several times in the last 3000 years, but its effects are cumulative and irreversible, rather than cyclical.
Umbelliferone attenuates unpredictable chronic mild stress induced‐insulin resistance in rats
Authors: Su Qiang , Tao Weiwei , Wang Hanqing , Chen Yanyan , Huang Huang , Chen Gang
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate whether umbelliferone (Umb) could attenuate insulin resistance in unpredictable chronic mild stress (CUMS)‐induced rats. Behavioral changes were evaluated through sucrose preference test (SPT), open‐field test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test (TST), suggesting that Umb (20 and 40 mg/kg) could effectively improve depression symptoms. Oral glucose tolerance test and serum insulin indicated that Umb attributed to the control of blood glucose levels. The phosphorylation of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)−1, glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, PI3K, and Akt was increased in Umb (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment according to Western blot analysis. Taken together, the current results suggested the ameliorative effect of Umb against insulin resistance in the CUMS‐induced rats. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(5):403–409, 2016
The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) and the sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART): two novel evaluation methods for developing optimal training programs
Authors: Howard Matt C. , Jacobs Rick R.
Published: March 2016

Current methodologies in training evaluation studies largely employ a single method entitled random confirmatory trials, prompting several concerns. First, practitioners and researchers often analyze the effectiveness of their entire omnibus training, rather than the individual elements or identifiable components of the training program. This slows the testing of theory and development of optimal training programs. Second, a common training is typically administered to all employees within an organization or workgroup; however, certain factors may cause individualized training to be more effective. Given these concerns, the current paper presents two training evaluation methodologies to overcome these problems: the multiphase optimization strategy and sequential multiple assignment randomized trials. The multiphase optimization strategy is a method to evaluate a standard training, which emphasizes the importance of a multi‐stage training evaluation process to analyze individual training elements. In contrast, sequential multiple assignment randomized trial is used to evaluate an adaptive training that varies over time and/or trainees. These methodologies jointly overcome the problems noted earlier, and they can be integrated to address several of the key challenges facing training researchers and practitioners. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Historical trends in precipitation, temperature and drought in the Alabama–Coosa–Tallapoosa and Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint river basins
Authors: Maleski Jerome J. , Martinez Christopher J.
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Using station data from the United States Historical Climatology Network, we preformed a running trend analysis of temperature, precipitation and drought in the Alabama–Coosa–Tallapoosa and Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint river basins for the time period 1895–2012 on annual and monthly timescales.

Our study found that long‐term precipitation and temperature trends were statistically detectible but relatively slight in the order of an increase at 3 mm per decade for precipitation and a decline of 0.02 °C per decade for temperature. Running trend analyses for the time period 1895–2012 found field‐significant and relatively large annual precipitation increases and temperature decreases between the 1950s and early 1980s associated with the 'warming hole'. The magnitude of precipitation trends for the aforementioned period was in the range of 7 mm per year for precipitation and 0.6 °C per decade for temperature. For temperature, we observed generally decreasing maximum, minimum and mean temperatures in the 1960s and 1970s and increasing temperatures from the 1970s to present. Minimum temperatures particularly showed a strong increase in recent summer months in the range of 0.3 °C per decade.

Trends in the diurnal temperature range showed a recent narrowing during summer and fall months. Differences in the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) did not show a strong effect of temperature on drought for this region.
Comprehensive metabolite profiling of Plantaginis Semen using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with elevated energy technique
Authors: Wang Dandan , Qi Meng , Yang Qiming , Tong Renchao , Wang Rui , Bligh S.W. Annie , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao
Published: March 2016

Plantaginis Semen is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat edema, hypertension, and diabetes. The commercially available Plantaginis Semen in China mainly comes from three species. To clarify the chemical composition and distinct different species of Plantaginis Semen, we established a metabolite profiling method based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with elevated energy technique. A total of 108 compounds, including phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, guanidine derivatives, terpenoids, organic acids, and fatty acids, were identified from Plantago asiatica L., P. depressa Willd., and P. major L. Results showed significant differences in chemical components among the three species, particularly flavonoids. This study is the first to provide a comprehensive chemical profile of Plantaginis Semen, which could be involved into the quality control, medication guide, and developing new drug of Plantago seeds.
Non‐participation of Domestic Tourism: Analyzing the Influence of Discouraging Factors
Authors: Li Hengyun , Meng Fang , Zhang Ziqiong
Published: March 2016

This study analyzes the factors that discourage non‐tourists' participation in domestic tourism. Data were collected in 15 cities in China and analyzed using a comparative analysis and non‐parametric ridit analysis. The findings indicate that (i) non‐tourists have low internal travel motivation and attitude and are more likely to be under 25 or above 55 years old, less educated, less healthy, with small child(ren) and lower income; (ii) non‐tourists consider less on destination environment and attraction, but focus on price and travel expenses when making a travel decision and destination choice; and (iii) economic and leisure time are their main situational travel constrains. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early stages of tin bronze corrosion in neutral aqueous chloride media: Electrochemical and FTIR investigations
Authors: Aouadi S. , Souissi N.
Published: March 2016

The corrosion behavior of tin bronze alloy equivalent to a Punic one was investigated in aqueous 0.5 M chloride electrolyte using potentiodynamic measurements. The electrochemical results showed selective dissolution of the major alloy component reflecting a decuprification process. FTIR characterization of the patina anodic layers showed the presence of various dehydrated and hydrated tin compounds with a few copper species suggesting the patina type I formation on the Cu10Sn bronze alloy. A kinetic model for the Cu10Sn bronze alloy dissolution in the chloride solution was developed. The reaction order with respect to chloride content was determined for the Cl− halide concentration domains. The low order value (about 0.22) was attributed to the Cl− adsorption intermediate step. The high reaction order value (about 2) reflected two determining steps of cuprous chloride complex formation. Two behaviors for the material were evidenced when varying the temperature. The values of the activation energy Ea, activation enthalpy ΔH* and activation entropy ΔS* were calculated and discussed.
CO2 Responsive Imidazolium‐Type Poly(Ionic Liquid) Gels
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xu Dan , Guo Jiangna , Sun Zhe , Qian Wenjing , Zhang Ye , Yan Feng
Published: March 2016

Poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) gels with CO2 stimulus responsiveness have been synthesized through the copolymerization of an imidazolium‐type ionic liquid monomer with 2‐(dimethyl amino) ethyl methacrylate. Upon bubbling with CO2 gas, the prepared PIL solution is converted to a transparent and stable gel, which can be turned back to the initial solution state after N2 bubbling. The reversible sol–gel phase transition behavior is proved by the reversible values of viscosity and ionic conductivity. The possible mechanism for such a reversible sol–gel phase transition is demonstrated by NMR, conductivity, and rheological measurements.

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Nanoliquid Crystals: A Study of Permeability and Optical Measurements in Nematic Phase
Authors: Vijayakumar V. N. , Jayaprakasam R.
Published: March 2016

Liquid crystal (LC) materials refer to the fourth state of matter that posses dual property of crystals and liquids. Their anisotropic physical properties (characteristic of its crystalline nature) and the inherent surface alignment (to the substrate) tendency (characteristic of its fluidity) are extensively exploited to design LC based electro‐optic devices.In recent times, hydrogen bonded ferroelectric liquid crystals [HBFLC] reported in literature, are designed and synthesized from materials selected on the basis of their molecular reorganization and self assembly capability. The applicational aspects and commercial viabilities made many research groups work on this hydrogen bonded ferroelectric liquid crystals. A novel HBFLC has been synthesized. Hydrogen bond is formed between chiral non mesogen ingredient (S)‐1, 2‐chloro‐3‐(4‐hydroxy) phenylpropionic acid (CTy) and mesogenic p‐n‐decyloxybenzoic acid (10BAO). Small amount of multiwall carbon nanotubes is dispersed in the CTy +10BAO complex. Salient feature of the present work is observation of a field induced transitions in nematic phase pertaining to nano dispersed CTy +10BAO complex. This phenomenon has been confirmed by optical textures of polarizing optical microscopic (POM) studies for the first time through dielectric studies. In nematic phase of nano dispersed CTy + 10BAO, four threshold electrical field values are noticed which in turn contributed to four new phases (E1, E2, E3 and E4) induced by electric field and on further enhancement of the applied field it has been observed that the mesogen behaves like a optical modulator. This phenomenon may be used to design optical modulator, optical shutter and efficient optical memory devices.
Properties of Polysulfone/Halloysite Nanocomposite Membranes: Prepared by Phase Inversion Method
Authors: V.P. Swapna , E.P. Saranya , A.B. Nithya , Thomas Sabu , Stephen Ranimol
Published: March 2016

Organically modified halloysite nanotube (HNT) containing polysulfone (PSU) membranes were fabricated by the wet phase inversion method. Organic modification of HNT was carried out using telehelic polyetheramine inorder to overcome the poor dispersion of HNT in PSU matrix. Telehelic polyetheramine acts as a dispersing agent and a hydrophilic modifier. FTIR results revealed the hydrogen bond formation between –SO2 of PSU and –NH2 of modified HNT. Based on the obtained results of contact angle measurements, the wettability of membranes were found to increase with the weight percentage of HNT in the presence of polyetheramine. At higher loading of filler the water uptake was found to be increasing due to the aggregation of nanotubes. Porosity values substantiate the results obtained for contact angle and water uptake measurements. Thermogravimetric results showed that the thermal stability of polysulfone (PSU)/HNT nanocomposite membranes decreased when compared to neat PSU due to the presence of aliphatic chain of polyetheramine.
Practical selection methods for rat and mouse round spermatids without DNA staining by flow cytometric cell sorting
Authors: Hayama Tomonari , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Kato‐Itoh Megumi , Ishii Yumiko , Mizuno Naoaki , Umino Ayumi , Sato Hideyuki , Sanbo Makoto , Hamanaka Sanae , Masaki Hideki , Hirabayashi Masumi , Nakauchi Hiromitsu
Published: March 2016

Round spermatid injection (ROSI) into unfertilized oocytes enables a male with a severe spermatogenesis disorder to have children. One limitation of the application of this technique in the clinic is the identification and isolation of round spermatids from testis tissue. Here we developed an efficient and simple method to isolate rodent haploid round spermatids using flow cytometric cell sorting, based on DNA content (stained with Hoechst 33342 or Dye Cycle Violet) or by cell diameter and granularity (forward and side scatter). ROSI was performed with round spermatids selected by flow cytometry, and we obtained healthy offspring from unstained cells. This non‐invasive method could therefore be an effective option for breeding domestic animals and human male infertility treatment. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 488–496, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient estimation of eigenvalue counts in an interval
Authors: Di Napoli Edoardo , Polizzi Eric , Saad Yousef
Published: March 2016

Estimating the number of eigenvalues located in a given interval of a large sparse Hermitian matrix is an important problem in certain applications, and it is a prerequisite of eigensolvers based on a divide‐and‐conquer paradigm. Often, an exact count is not necessary, and methods based on stochastic estimates can be utilized to yield rough approximations. This paper examines a number of techniques tailored to this specific task. It reviews standard approaches and explores new ones based on polynomial and rational approximation filtering combined with a stochastic procedure. We also discuss how the latter method is particularly well‐suited for the FEAST eigensolver. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil): who still uses it?
Authors: Aquino Estela M. L. , Almeida Maria‐da‐Conceição C. , Menezes Greice M. S. , de Figueiredo Roberta Carvalho , Bensenor Isabela M. , Mengue Sotero Serrate , da Fonseca Maria de Jesus M. , Gabrielli Ligia
Published: March 2016

Purpose

We aim to investigate the patterns of hormone therapy (HT) use and associated factors in women participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health.

Methods

This study included 3281 naturally menopausal women of 40 to 74 years of age at enrollment to the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health study, who answered questions regarding their use and discontinuation of HT. Prevalence rates of current and previous HT use were calculated, and a multinomial logistic regression model was constructed to simultaneously analyze the associated factors.

Results

The prevalence of HT use increased from 1995 onwards, peaking at 55.7% in 1997. A sharp decline occurred in the decade beginning in 2000, reaching 11.1% at the study baseline interview (2008–2010). Current use was associated with being ≥60 years of age (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR): 1.81; 95%CI: 1.10–2.96), divorced (RRR: 1.72; 95%CI: 1.14–2.60), or married (RRR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.41–3.10); having a university education (RRR: 1.66; 95%CI: 1.14–2.40) or postgraduate degree (RRR: 2.45; 95%CI: 1.80–3.35); and having private health insurance (RRR: 2.86; 95%CI: 2.00–4.09). Body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 was inversely associated with HT use (RRR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.26–0.53) as was the presence of at least one contraindication to HT use (RRR: 0.63; 95%CI: 0.44–0.89). Of the current users ≥60 years of age, 79.1% had been using HT for at least 5 years, and 73.6% had been menopausal for at least 10 years.

Conclusion

Although the use of HT has declined in Brazil, the women who continue using it are largely exceeding evidence‐based limits of age, time since menopause, and time of use. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural, thermal, and gas transport properties of HDPE/LLDPE blend‐based nanocomposites using a mixture of HDPE‐g‐MA and LLDPE‐g‐MA as compatibilizer
Authors: Roberto Passador Fabio , Collà Ruvolo‐Filho Adhemar , Pessan Luiz Antonio
Published: March 2016

Nanocomposites based on high density polyethylene (HDPE)/linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) blend were prepared by melt compounding in a twin‐screw extruder using organoclay (montmorillonite) as nano‐filler and a 50/50 wt% mixture of maleic anhydride functionalized high density polyethylene (HDPE‐g‐MA) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE‐g‐MA) as the compatibilizing system. The addition of a maleated polyethylene‐based compatibilizing system was required to improve the organoclay dispersion in the HDPE/LLDPE blend‐based nanocomposite. In this work, the relationships between thermal properties, gas transport properties, and morphology were correlated. The compatibilized nanocomposite exhibited an intercalated morphology with a small number of individual platelets dispersed in the HDPE/LLDPE matrix, leading to an significant decrease in the oxygen permeation coefficient of the nanocomposites. A decrease in the carbon dioxide permeability and oxygen permeability with increase of nanoclay was observed for the compatibilized nanocomposites. The carbon dioxide permeability of the compatibilized nanocomposites was lower than the carbon dioxide permeability of the uncompatibilized nanocomposites even with the low intrinsic barrier properties of the compatibilizer. These effects were attributed to a good dispersion of the inorganic filler, good wettability of the filler by the polymer matrix, and strong interactions at the interface that increased the tortuous path for diffusion. Theoretical permeability models were used to estimate the final aspect ratio of nanoclay in the nanocomposite and showed good agreement with the aspect ratio obtained directly from TEM images. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:765–775, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of the structure of the cation of an ionic liquid on the rate of reaction at a phosphorus centre
Authors: Butler Bradley J. , Harper Jason B.
Published: March 2016

The effect of a series of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide‐based ionic liquids containing different cations on the reaction of ethanol‐d6 with diethyl chlorophosphate was investigated. The addition of each of the salts increased the rate constant, with the extent of this increase being dependent on the mole fraction of the ionic liquid in the reaction mixture and, to a lesser extent, the nature of the cation; less bulky cations with ready access to the charged centres facilitated the greatest increases in the rate constant. Temperature‐dependent kinetic analyses demonstrated that the rate enhancements were due to a decrease in the activation enthalpy offsetting a decrease in the activation entropy; this basis of the rate enhancement was consistent for all of the ionic liquids used and suggests stabilisation of the transition state of the process along with associated ordering of the solvent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High fluorescent ethyl acrylate modified PEDOT‐MeNH2 with enhanced electrochromic performance
Authors: Sun Hui , Zhang Youshan , Lu Baoyang , Dong Liqi , Zhu Xiaofei , Ming Shouli , Liu Hongtao , Xu Jingkun , Duan Xuemin
Published: March 2016

Two poly(2'‐aminomethyl‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythienylene) (PEDOT‐MeNH2) derivatives were successfully synthesized by electrochemical polymerization of precursors, diethyl 3'‐(((2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl) methyl)azanediyl)dipropanoate (monomer 1) and ethyl 3‐(((2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl) methyl)amino)propanoate (monomer 2), respectively. Structure–property relationships of monomers and polymers, including electrochemical, optical properties, and morphology, were systematically explored. Significantly, the designed polymers exhibited red and orange emission signatures with high fluorescence quantum yields (ΦF) of 0.044 and 0.045 compared with those of monomers; they may be used as building blocks for rational design of fluorescent materials. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry studies demonstrated that poly(diethyl 3'‐(((2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl)methyl)azanediyl) dipropanoate) (P1) and poly(ethyl 3‐(((2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl)methyl)amino) propanoate) (P2) can be reversibly oxidized and reduced accompanied by obvious color changes from light purple to light blue for P1, and from purple to blue for P2. Furthermore, both P1 and P2 displayed higher optical contrasts (40–70%) in the visible region, favorable coloration efficiency (typically 50–230 cm2 C−1). From these results, the two polymers would be promising candidate materials for display applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2081–2091
Metal Oxide Nanomaterials with Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene‐Silk Nanofiber Complexes as Templates
Authors: Sheng Weiqin , Zhu Guobin , Lu Qiang , Kaplan David L.
Published: March 2016

Fabricating electrode materials with superior electrochemical performance remains a challenge. Here, a simple but effective strategy for the formation of metal oxide nanomaterials with superior performance has been developed. Silk protein nanofibers adhered on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets are used as templates to regulate the formation of nanostructured iron oxide composites, achieving porous nanorod structures that could not be attained in control experiments. These porous nanorods demonstrate superior electrochemical performance as electrodes with retention of a capacity of 1495 mAh g−1 after 180 cycles at 0.2 C and a rate capability of 900 mAh g−1 at 2 C discharge rate. These new rGO/silk composite templates provide a more controllable environment for Fe2O3 fabrication, resulting in improved nanostructures and superior electrical performance. The strategy developed here should also be more broadly applicable in the design of metal oxide nanomaterials with specialized structures and useful performance.
Using Bayesian analysis in repeated preclinical in vivo studies for a more effective use of animals
Authors: Walley Rosalind , Sherington John , Rastrick Joe , Detrait Eric , Hanon Etienne , Watt Gillian
Published: March 2016

Whilst innovative Bayesian approaches are increasingly used in clinical studies, in the preclinical area Bayesian methods appear to be rarely used in the reporting of pharmacology data. This is particularly surprising in the context of regularly repeated in vivo studies where there is a considerable amount of data from historical control groups, which has potential value. This paper describes our experience with introducing Bayesian analysis for such studies using a Bayesian meta‐analytic predictive approach. This leads naturally either to an informative prior for a control group as part of a full Bayesian analysis of the next study or using a predictive distribution to replace a control group entirely. We use quality control charts to illustrate study‐to‐study variation to the scientists and describe informative priors in terms of their approximate effective numbers of animals. We describe two case studies of animal models: the lipopolysaccharide‐induced cytokine release model used in inflammation and the novel object recognition model used to screen cognitive enhancers, both of which show the advantage of a Bayesian approach over the standard frequentist analysis. We conclude that using Bayesian methods in stable repeated in vivo studies can result in a more effective use of animals, either by reducing the total number of animals used or by increasing the precision of key treatment differences. This will lead to clearer results and supports the “3Rs initiative” to Refine, Reduce and Replace animals in research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arctic amplification enhanced by latent energy transport of atmospheric planetary waves
Authors: Graversen Rune G. , Burtu Mattias
Published: March 2016

The atmospheric northward energy transport plays a crucial role for the Arctic climate; this transport brings to the Arctic an amount of energy comparable to that provided directly by the sun. The transport is accomplished by atmospheric waves–for instance large‐scale planetary waves and meso‐scale cyclones–and the zonal‐mean circulation. These different components of the energy transport impact the Arctic climate differently.

A split of the transport into stationary and transient waves constitutes a traditional way of decomposing the transport. However this procedure does not take into account the transport accomplished separately by the planetary and synoptic‐scale waves. Here a Fourier decomposition is applied, which decomposes the transport with respect to zonal wave numbers. Reanalysis and model data reveal that the planetary waves impact Arctic temperatures much more than do synoptic‐scale waves. In addition the latent transport by these waves affects the Arctic climate more than does the dry‐static part. Finally, the EC‐Earth model suggests that changes of the energy transport over the twentyfirst century will contribute to Arctic warming, despite the fact that in this model the total energy transport to the Arctic will decrease. This apparent contradictory result is due to the cooling induced by a decrease of the dry‐static transport by planetary waves being more than compensated for by a warming caused by the latent counterpart.
A Bernoulli mean estimate with known relative error distribution
Authors: Huber Mark
Published: March 2016

Suppose that are independent identically distributed Bernoulli random variables with mean p, so and . Any estimate of p has relative error . This paper builds a new estimate of p with the remarkable property that the relative error of the estimate does not depend in any way on the value of p. This allows the easy construction of exact confidence intervals for p of any desired level without needing any sort of limit or approximation. In addition, is unbiased. For ∊ and δ in (0, 1), to obtain an estimate where , the new algorithm takes on average at most samples. It is also shown that any such algorithm that applies whenever requires at least samples on average. The same algorithm can also be applied to estimate the mean of any random variable that falls in . The used here employs randomness external to the sample, and has a small (but nonzero) chance of being above 1. It is shown that any nontrivial where the relative error is independent of p must also have these properties. Applications of this methodology include finding exact p‐values and randomized approximation algorithms for # P complete problems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 173–182, 2017
pH‐induced structural transformation of N, N′‐diaspartic acid‐3, 4, 9, 10‐tetracarboxylic diimide as observed by scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Li Yibao , Zhu Lei , Cheng Linxiu , Liu Chunhua , Liu Wei , Fan Yulan , Li Xun , Fan Xiaolin
Published: March 2016

To investigate the acidity of aspartic acid, the N, N′‐diasparitic acid‐3, 4, 9, 10‐perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (NAAPD) was synthesized and characterized. Previous studies have examined the self‐assembly behaviours of NAAPD mainly using atomic force microscopy at various pH levels. The present study sought to examine the characteristics and dynamics of NAAPD assembly using scanning probe microscopy. Our experimental results suggest that the assembly of NAAPD nanostructures may be regulated by pH. This phenomenon may be attributed to the deprotonation and properties of the carboxyl groups within aspartic acid, which is consistent with the interactions revealed from studies using scanning tunnelling microscopy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Symmetrical and Non‐Symmetrical Bivalent Neurotransmitter Ligands
Authors: Stuhr‐Hansen Nicolai , Andersen Jacob , Thygesen Mikkel B. , Strømgaard Kristian
Published: March 2016

A novel procedure for synthesis of bivalent neurotransmitter ligands was developed by reacting O‐benzyl protected N‐nosylated dopamine and serotonin with alkyl‐ or PEG‐linked diols under Fukuyama‐Mitsunobu conditions in the presence of DIAD/PPh3 generating three different bivalent neurotransmitter ligands in a one‐pot reaction. The methodology establishes a facile route towards bivalent neurotransmitter ligands, and libraries of in total 40 symmetrical and non‐symmetrical bivalent and monovalent dopamine and serotonin compounds linked through alkyl or PEG spacers of varying length were prepared. Interestingly, attempted synthesis of an O‐tert‐butyl analogue of the N‐nosylated serotonin precursor resulted in unexpected tert‐butylations at the 1‐, 2‐ and 6‐positions of the indole skeleton. We found that upscaling of selected bivalent serotonin ligands was most efficiently performed via N,O‐bis‐nosyl‐serotonin since global de‐nosylation was carried out as a final step after Fukuyama‐Mitsunobu dimerization.
Co@Co3O4@PPD Core@bishell Nanoparticle‐Based Composite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Zhijuan , Li Bing , Ge Xiaoming , Goh F. W. Thomas , Zhang Xiao , Du Guojun , Wuu Delvin , Liu Zhaolin , Andy Hor T. S. , Zhang Hua , Zong Yun
Published: March 2016

Durable electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are crucial to high‐performance primary zinc‐air batteries (ZnABs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). An efficient composite electrocatalyst, Co@Co3O4 core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in pyrolyzed polydopamine (PPD) is reported, i.e., in Co@Co3O4@PPD core@bishell structure, obtained via a three‐step sequential process involving hydrothermal synthesis, high temperature calcination under nitrogen atmosphere, and gentle heating in air. With Co@Co3O4 NPs encapsulated by ultrathin highly graphitized N‐doped carbon, the catalyst exhibits excellent stability in aqueous alkaline solution over extended period and good tolerance to methanol crossover effect. The integration of N‐doped graphitic carbon outer shell and ultrathin nanocrystalline Co3O4 inner shell enable high ORR activity of the core@bishell NPs, as evidenced by ZnABs using catalyst of Co@Co3O4@PPD in air‐cathode which delivers a stable voltage profile over 40 h at a discharge current density of as high as 20 mA cm−2.
Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Multiplexed Raman Bio‐Imaging of Surface Roughness‐Controlled Nanobridged Nanogap Particles
Authors: Lee Jung‐Hoon , Oh Jeong‐Wook , Nam Sang Hwan , Cha Yeong Seok , Kim Gyeong‐Hwan , Rhim Won‐Kyu , Kim Nam Hoon , Kim Jongwoo , Han Sang Woo , Suh Yung Doug , Nam Jwa‐Min
Published: March 2016

Plasmonic nanostructures are widely studied and used because of their useful size, shape, composition and assembled structure‐based plasmonic properties. It is, however, highly challenging to precisely design, reproducibly synthesize and reliably utilize plasmonic nanostructures with enhanced optical properties. Here, we devise a facile synthetic method to generate Au surface roughness‐controlled nanobridged nanogap particles (Au‐RNNPs) with ultrasmall (≈1 nm) interior gap and tunable surface roughness in a highly controllable manner. Importantly, we found that particle surface roughness can be associated with and enhance the electromagnetic field inside the interior gap, and stronger nanogap‐enhanced Raman scattering (NERS) signals can be generated from particles by increasing particle surface roughness. The finite‐element method‐based calculation results support and are matched well with the experimental results and suggest one needs to consider particle shape, nanogap and nanobridges simultaneously to understand and control the optical properties of this type of nanostructures. Finally, the potential of multiplexed Raman detection and imaging with RNNPs and the high‐speed, high‐resolution Raman bio‐imaging of Au‐RNNPs inside cells with a wide‐field Raman imaging setup with liquid crystal tunable filter are demonstrated. Our results provide strategies and principles in designing and synthesizing plasmonically enhanced nanostructures and show potential for detecting and imaging Raman nanoprobes in a highly specific, sensitive and multiplexed manner.
High‐Performance Flexible Transparent Electrode with an Embedded Metal Mesh Fabricated by Cost‐Effective Solution Process
Authors: Khan Arshad , Lee Sangeon , Jang Taehee , Xiong Ze , Zhang Cuiping , Tang Jinyao , Guo L. Jay , Li Wen‐Di
Published: March 2016

A new structure of flexible transparent electrodes is reported, featuring a metal mesh fully embedded and mechanically anchored in a flexible substrate, and a cost‐effective solution‐based fabrication strategy for this new transparent electrode. The embedded nature of the metal‐mesh electrodes provides a series of advantages, including surface smoothness that is crucial for device fabrication, mechanical stability under high bending stress, strong adhesion to the substrate with excellent flexibility, and favorable resistance against moisture, oxygen, and chemicals. The novel fabrication process replaces vacuum‐based metal deposition with an electrodeposition process and is potentially suitable for high‐throughput, large‐volume, and low‐cost production. In particular, this strategy enables fabrication of a high‐aspect‐ratio (thickness to linewidth) metal mesh, substantially improving conductivity without considerably sacrificing transparency. Various prototype flexible transparent electrodes are demonstrated with transmittance higher than 90% and sheet resistance below 1 ohm sq−1, as well as extremely high figures of merit up to 1.5 × 104, which are among the highest reported values in recent studies. Finally using our embedded metal‐mesh electrode, a flexible transparent thin‐film heater is demonstrated with a low power density requirement, rapid response time, and a low operating voltage.
The Architecture and Function of Monoclonal Antibody‐Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Mifepristone: Repurposing Abortifacient for Cancer Metastatic Chemoprevention
Authors: Gao Yu , Gu Songen , Zhang Yingying , Xie Xiaodong , Yu Ting , Lu Yusheng , Zhu Yewei , Chen Wenge , Zhang Huijuan , Dong Haiyan , Sinko Patrick J. , Jia Lee
Published: March 2016

The circulating tumor cells (CTCs) existing in cancer survivors are considered the root cause of cancer metastasis. To prevent the devastating metastasis cascade from initiation, we hypothesize that a biodegradable nanomaterial loaded with the abortifacient mifepristone (MIF) and conjugated with the epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody (aEpCAM) may serve as a safe and effective cancer metastatic preventive agent by targeting CTCs and preventing their adhesion‐invasion to vascular intima. It is demonstrated that MIF‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) coated with aEpCAM (aE‐MSN‐M) can specifically target and bind colorectal cancer cells in either cell medium or blood through EpCAM recognition proven by quantitative flow cytometric detection and free aEpCAM competitive assay. The specific binding results in downregulation of the captured cells and drives them into G0/G1 phase primarily attributed to the effect of aEpCAM. The functional nanoparticles significantly inhibit the heteroadhesion between cancer cells and endothelial cells, suggesting the combined inhibition effects of aEpCAM and MIF on E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 expression. The functionalized nanoparticles circulate in mouse blood long enough to deliver MIF and inhibit lung metastasis. The present proof‐of‐concept study shows that the aE‐MSN‐M can prevent cancer metastasis by restraining CTC activity and their adhesion‐invasion to vascular intima.
Methamphetamine‐induced enhancement of hippocampal long‐term potentiation is modulated by NMDA and GABA receptors in the shell–accumbens
Authors: Heysieattalab Soomaayeh , Naghdi Nasser , Hosseinmardi Narges , Zarrindast Mohammad‐Reza , Haghparast Abbas , Khoshbouei Habibeh
Published: March 2016

Addictive drugs modulate synaptic transmission in the meso‐corticolimbic system by hijacking normal adaptive forms of experience‐dependent synaptic plasticity. Psychostimulants such as METH have been shown to affect hippocampal synaptic plasticity, albeit with a less understood synaptic mechanism. METH is one of the most addictive drugs that elicit long‐term alterations in the synaptic plasticity in brain areas involved in reinforcement learning and reward processing. Dopamine transporter (DAT) is one of the main targets of METH. As a substrate for DAT, METH decreases dopamine uptake and increases dopamine efflux via the transporter in the target brain regions such as nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus. Due to cross talk between NAc and hippocampus, stimulation of NAc has been shown to alter hippocampal plasticity. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that manipulation of glutamatergic and GABA‐ergic systems in the shell‐NAc modulates METH‐induced enhancement of long term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. Rats treated with METH (four injections of 5 mg/kg) exhibited enhanced LTP as compared to saline‐treated animals. Intra‐NAc infusion of muscimol (GABA receptor agonist) decreased METH‐induced enhancement of dentate gyrus (DG)‐LTP, while infusion of AP5 (NMDA receptor antagonist) prevented METH‐induced enhancement of LTP. These data support the interpretation that reducing NAc activity can ameliorate METH‐induced hippocampal LTP through a hippocampus‐NAc‐VTA circuit loop. Synapse 70:325–335, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Yohimbine hydrochloride ameliorates collagen type‐II‐induced arthritis targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in Wistar rats
Authors: Neha  , Ansari Md. Meraj , Khan Haider A.
Published: March 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of chronic inflammatory disease which is triggered by dysfunction in the immune system which in turn affects synovial joints. Current treatment of RA with NSAIDs and DMRDs is limited by their side effect. As a result, the interest in alternative, well tolerated anti‐inflammatory remedies has re‐emerged. Our aim was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities underlying the anti‐RA effect of Yohimbine hydrochloride (YCL) in collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in Wistar rats. The YCL was administered at doses of 5 and 10 mg kg−1 body weight once daily for 28 days. The effects of treatment in the rats were assessed by biochemical parameter (articular elastase, LPO, GSH, catalase, SOD), hematological parameter (ESR, WBC, C‐reactive protein (CRP), immunohistochemical expression (COX2, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB), and histological changes in joints. YCL showed anti‐RA efficacy as it significantly reduced articular elastase, LPO and catalase level and ameliorates histological changes. This is in addition to its antioxidant efficacy as YCL shown a significant increase in GSH and SOD level. Also, YCL showed effective anti‐inflammatory activity as it significantly decreased the expression of COX‐2, TNF‐α, and NF‐ĸB. The therapeutic effect of YCL against RA was also evident from lower arthritis scoring and reduced hematological parameter (ESR, WBC, and C‐reactive protein level). The abilities to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and modulation of antioxidant states that the protective effect of YCL on arthritis rats might be mediated via the modulation of the immune system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 619–629, 2017.
Authority, gender, and monastic piety: controversies at the English Benedictine convent in Brussels, 1620–1623
Authors: Goodrich Jaime
Published: March 2016

This essay illuminates a little-known chapter in the history of English Catholicism by examining the controversies among the English Benedictine convent at Brussels between 1620 and 1623. The disputes began as a simple clash of personalities between Abbess Mary Percy and the house’s ordinary confessor Robert Chambers, and they culminated in allegations by pro-Jesuit nuns and confessors that Francis Ward, a second ordinary confessor, was attempting to seduce one of his penitents. These early clashes illustrate the cultural and gender politics of the Continental convents established for Englishwomen during the seventeenth century. By nature a female-oriented institution, the cloister encouraged women to attain monastic versions of stereotypical feminine virtues. Gender consequently provided a convenient means of understanding, evaluating, and politicizing monastic piety. As this paper will show, individuals who held little to no official power at Brussels used gender stereotypes to legitimize their interventions in the convent’s affairs. Nuns, confessors, and anonymous outsiders attempted to diminish the spiritual authority of Percy and Ward by raising the spectre of traditionally feminine vices. Within the woman-centred space of the Brussels convent, gender thus became an essential means of claiming moral authority and addressing larger concerns over monastic order and spiritual direction.1
The priest and the parson of Hartlepool: Protestant-Catholic conflict in a nineteenth-century industrial town
Authors: Bush Jonathan
Published: March 2016

This article examines the role of Protestant-Catholic conflict in the English town of Hartlepool, a hitherto unknown centre of religious conflict during the nineteenth century. It will demonstrate how a combination of unique structural forces and the conduct of religious ministers created a culture which, in terms of ferocity and longevity, rivalled other sectarian centres in Britain. It also provides an important case study for examining the role of Catholics themselves in generating anti-Catholicism. It therefore has important implications for understanding the nature of religious conflict, how it develops, and how it is sustained over thelongue durée.
Immigration Forum Comment: Foreign Relations and Migration
Authors: OYEN MEREDITH
Published: March 2016

In the fall of 2015, a great debate began taking shape internationally and in the United States over how to reconcile foreign-policy interests, national security concerns, and a response to a profound refugee crisis emerging in Europe as a result of the conflict in Syria. World leaders vacillated, demagogues pontificated, and social media memes employed bad historical analogies to shame fellow citizens into action. Despite the sudden urgency, the arguments blasting from twenty-four-hour news stations and ill-drawn cartoons depicting seventeenth-century pilgrims as forlorn refugees given safe harbor by Native Americans at Plymouth Rock did not represent a new line of thinking in the longer history of international migration management. The public is once again debating how to balance humanitarianism against fear, and which sentiment should play the greater role in governing the decision to admit new migrants. As the papers in this forum ably show, policies, procedures, and perspectives on migration have always had an international-relations component that can trump the local concerns that often dominate domestic debates.