bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional trade institutions in West Africa: Historical reflections
Authors: Bah Essa , Jackson Karen , Potts David
Published: June 2017

This paper reflects on trade institutions across West Africa from the Empirehood to the present day. We found that regional trade institutions were more standardised across West Africa before the current countries gained their independence. We argue that reflection on past trade institutions could provide important guidance for policy makers currently involved in deepening the Economic Community of West African States. Our review of the literature suggests that the Empirehood was an era with more standardised trade institutions across the region relative to the current ones. Societal norms and political consensus such as the ‘Mande charter’ and the coming of Islam created a discipline that enhanced confidence in the ability to trade, which was facilitated by common trade institutions such as convertible common currencies and letters of credit. During the colonial era, West African common currencies were also established to facilitate exchange. Historical changes in governance resulted in the loss of some facets of well‐functioning trade institutions. This paper argues that historical context can provide policy makers with the confidence that current institutional barriers to trade can be addressed. Economic Community of West African States members could reflect on historical good practices if they are to accelerate the integration process and to realise the full potential of regional trade. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A structural perspective on the interactions of TRAF6 and Basigin during the onset of melanoma: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Biswas Ria , Ghosh Semanti , Bagchi Angshuman
Published: June 2017

Metastatic melanoma is the most fatal type of skin cancer. The roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have well been established in the onset of melanoma. Basigin (BSG) belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is critical for induction of extracellular MMPs during the onset of various cancers including melanoma. Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is an E3‐ligase that interacts with BSG and mediates its membrane localization, which leads to MMP expression in melanoma cells. This makes TRAF6 a potential therapeutic target in melanoma. We here conducted protein‐protein interaction studies on TRAF6 and BSG to get molecular level insights of the reactions. The structure of human BSG was constructed by protein threading. Molecular‐docking method was applied to develop the TRAF6‐BSG complex. The refined docked complex was further optimized by molecular dynamics simulations. Results from binding free energy, surface properties, and electrostatic interaction analysis indicate that Lys340 and Glu417 of TRAF6 play as the anchor residues in the protein interaction interface. The current study will be helpful in designing specific modulators of TRAF6 to control melanoma metastasis.
Antagonism ofTrichodermaisolates againstLeucoagaricus gongylophorus(Singer) Möller
Authors: do Nascimento Mariela Otoni , de Almeida Sarmento Renato , dos Santos Gil Rodrigues , de Oliveira Cléia Almeida , de Souza Danival José
Published: June 2017

Filamentous fungi from the genusTrichodermaare commonly found in soil. They are considered facultative mycoparasites, and are antagonists of other fungi such as the cultivar of leaf‐cutting ants (Leucoagaricus gongylophorus). The aim of the present study was to bioprospectTrichodermaspp. from different soils collected from Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil, for antagonistic effects against the mutualistic fungus of leaf‐cutting ants. To isolate filamentous fungi, samples were collected from six locations. Preliminarily, isolates were identified by morphological analysis as belonging toTrichoderma.Trichodermaspp. had their internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA) sequenced to confirm species‐level taxonomy.L. gongylophoruswas isolated from a laboratory ant colony. Antagonistic properties of seven isolates ofTrichodermaagainstL. gongylophoruswere measured using paired disks in Petri dishes with potato dextrose agar medium (PDA). AllTrichodermaisolates inhibited the growth ofL. gongylophorusin Petri dishes. Isolate 2 ofTrichoderma spiralegroup exhibited slow mycelial growth in the Petri dish, and a high rate of inhibition againstL. gongylophorus. This isolate is a promising fungus for field tests of biological control methods for leaf‐cutting ants.
Inter‐seasonal variability of wind‐waves and their attenuation characteristics by mangroves in a reversing wind system
Authors: K. G. Parvathy , P. A. Umesh , Bhaskaran Prasad K.
Published: June 2017

The mutual interaction between surface gravity waves and vegetation such as mangroves using numerical wave models can provide better location specific wave forecasts having practical implications in the overall development of better near‐shore wave climatology. Sundarban delta bordering the head Bay of Bengal is the largest mangrove forest in the world, and the present study reports on inter‐seasonal variability of wave damping in presence of mangroves that thrive on a region dominated by seasonal reversing wind field. It aims to understand relative wave attenuation characteristics during a period of one year over this region that experiences a seasonal reversal of wind system. The study considers a multi‐scale nested modelling approach to account for distant swells that propagate from Southern Ocean reaching various destinations in the North Indian Ocean region. The model was forced using 0.25° × 0.25° spatial resolution 6‐hourly ECMWF ERA‐Interim winds for coarse grid WAM and SWAN runs, and NCDC blended winds with a similar spatial and temporal resolution was used to force SWAN model executed in a flexible unstructured mesh. To avoid model uncertainties of providing wind from two different sources, the wind data of same temporal and spatial resolution has been adopted. The present study quantifies relative rate of wave energy dissipation for monthly and seasonal scales such as pre‐monsoon, monsoon and post‐monsoon periods by analysing characteristic variation of wave parameters and their spectral energy in presence of mangroves. The study has put forth an effort to validate model results against altimeter measurements and ERA‐Interim data, as no actual measurements are available to validate model results simulated in the presence of mangroves. This study solely emphasizes on role of reversing wind system on relative wave attenuation characteristics and highlights the importance of a more detailed investigation to ascertain impact of varying vegetation parameters on wave attenuation characteristics.
Vaccinium meridionale Swartz extracts and their addition in beef burgers as antioxidant ingredient
Authors: López‐Padilla Alexis , Martín Diana , Villanueva Bermejo David , Jaime Laura , Ruiz‐Rodriguez Alejandro , Restrepo Flórez Claudia Estela , Rivero Barrios Diana Marsela , Fornari Tiziana
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (mortiño) constitutes a source of bioactive phytochemicals, but reports related to its efficient and green production are scarce. In this study, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction of mortiño were compared. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+) were determined. Beef burgers with 20 g kg−1 of mortiño (MM) or its PLE extract (ME) were manufactured. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) and instrumental color changes were measured after refrigerated storage.

RESULTS

High TPC (up to 72 g gallic acid equivalent kg−1 extract) was determined in mortiño extracts, which was positively correlated with antioxidant activity. TBARS values of beef burgers containing either MM or ME did not change after refrigerated storage, whereas lipid oxidation of control burgers increased significantly. The color of burgers with added MM or ME was different (lower b* and a* values) from that of control burgers. However, the evolution of color after storage was similar between control and ME samples.

CONCLUSION

Mortiño extracts with high TPC can be obtained by PLE. Both mortiño and its PLE extract are able to control lipid oxidation of beef burgers, but the extract is preferred from the color quality point of view. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐Pressure Nebulization as Application Route for the Peritoneal Administration of siRNA Complexes
Authors: Minnaert An‐Katrien , Dakwar George R. , Benito Juan M. , García Fernández José M. , Ceelen W. , De Smedt Stefaan C. , Remaut Katrien
Published: June 2017

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a severe form of cancer in the abdomen, currently treated with cytoreductive surgery and intravenous chemotherapy. Recently, nebulization has been proposed as a less invasive strategy for the local delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. Also, RNA interference has been considered as a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of cancer. In this study, Lipofectamine RNAiMAX/siRNA complexes and cyclodextrin/siRNA complexes are evaluated before and after nebulization. Nebulization of the siRNA complexes does not significantly lower transfection efficiency when compared to non‐nebulized complexes. After incubation in ascites fluid, however, the cyclodextrin/siRNA complexes show a drastic decrease in transfection efficiency. For the Lipofectamine RNAiMAX/siRNA complexes, this decrease is less pronounced. It is concluded that nebulization is an interesting technique to distribute siRNA complexes into the peritoneal cavity, providing the complexes are stable in ascites fluid which might be present in the peritoneal cavity.
A Carbon‐Dot‐Based Fluorescent Nanosensor for Simple Visualization of Bacterial Nucleic Acids
Authors: Lee Ha Neul , Ryu Jea‐Sung , Shin Cheong , Chung Hyun Jung
Published: June 2017

A simple and facile method for sensing of nucleic acids is in great need for disease biomarker detection and diagnosis. Herein, a fluorescent nanosensor utilizing carbon dot nanoparticles is introduced that form visible precipitates in the presence of target DNA. Carbon dot nanoparticles are fabricated by microwave pyrolysis of polyethylenimine, which emits strong photoluminescence and can form precipitates when added to target DNA oligonucleotides. The precipitates can be easily visualized by UV illumination, and data can be acquired as images using a smartphone, which are analyzed for quantification. This carbon‐dot‐based assay allowed fluorescent sensing of target oligonucleotides with various sizes and visualization even with minimal amount of DNA (≈100 pmol). Finally, the assay can be applied as a nanosensor platform for detecting bacterial DNA for the antibiotic‐resistance gene KPC‐2 from Klebsiella pneumoniae. This method provides a simple technique for detecting molecular targets, showing wide applicability for diagnostics on the bedside or point‐of‐care testing.
Hyperbranched Polymers Formed Through Irreversible Step Polymerization of AB2‐Type Monomer with Substitution Effect in a Continuous Flow Stirred‐Tank Reactor (CSTR)
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: June 2017

A new Monte Carlo simulation method is proposed for the step polymerization of AB2‐type monomer conducted in a continuous flow stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR). The effect of the second B group reactivity, represented by the reactivity ratio r is investigated. The degree of branching (DB) at large degree of polymerization (P) limit, DBP→∞ does not change with the mean residence time . The value of DBP→∞ becomes larger by increasing r and is larger than the corresponding batch polymerization. The weight fraction distribution at high molecular weight tail follows a power law , and a simple formula to predict the power exponent α is proposed. The relationship between the radius of gyration 〈s2〉0 and P does not change with , and large polymers obtained in a CSTR are much more compact than those formed in batch polymerization. CSTR is advantageous to synthesize compact HB polymers, especially with a smaller r‐value.
How does within‐host dynamics affect population‐level dynamics? Insights from an immuno‐epidemiological model of malaria
Authors: Cai Liming , Tuncer Necibe , Martcheva Maia
Published: June 2017

Malaria is one of the most common mosquito‐borne diseases widespread in the tropical and subtropical regions. Few models coupling the within‐host malaria dynamics with the between‐host mosquito‐human dynamics have been developed. In this paper, by adopting the nested approach, a malaria transmission model with immune response of the host is formulated. Applying age‐structured partial differential equations for the between‐host dynamics, we describe the asymptomatic and symptomatic infectious host population for malaria transmission. The basic reproduction numbers for the within‐host model and for the coupled system are derived, respectively. The existence and stability of the equilibria of the coupled model are analyzed. We show numerically that the within‐host model can exhibit complex dynamical behavior, possibly even chaos. In contrast, equilibria in the immuno‐epidemiological model are globally stable and their stabilities are determined by the reproduction number. Increasing the activation rate of the within‐host immune response “dampens” the sensitivity of the population level reproduction number and prevalence to the increase of the within‐host reproduction of the pathogen. From public health perspective this means that treatment in a population with higher immunity has less impact on the population‐level reproduction number and prevalence than in a population with less immunity.
The effective stress concept and the evaluation of changes in pore air pressure under jacketed isotropic compression tests for dry sand based on the 2‐phase porous theory
Authors: Kimoto Sayuri , Oka Fusao , Morimoto Yasuhiro
Published: June 2017

The effective stress concept for solid‐fluid 2‐phase media was revisited in this work. In particular, the effects of the compressibility of both the pore fluid and the soil particles were studied under 3 different conditions, i.e., undrained, drained, and unjacketed conditions based on a Biot‐type theory for 2‐phase porous media. It was confirmed that Terzaghi effective stress holds at the moment when soil grains are assumed to be incompressible and when the compressibility of the pore fluid is small enough compared to that of the soil skeleton. Then, isotropic compression tests for dry sand under undrained conditions were conducted within the triaxial apparatus in which the changes in the pore air pressure could be measured. The ratio of the increment in the cell pressure to the increment in the pore air pressure, m, corresponds to the inverse of the B value by Bishop and was obtained during the step loading of the cell pressure. In addition, the m values were evaluated by comparing them with theoretically obtained values based on the solid‐fluid 2‐phase mixture theory. The experimental m values were close to the theoretical values, as they were in the range of approximately 40 to 185, depending on the cell pressure. Finally, it was found that the soil material with a highly compressible pore fluid, such as air, must be analyzed with the multi‐phase porous mixture theory. However, Terzaghi effective stress is practically applicable when the compressibilities of both the soil particles and the pore fluid are small enough compared to that of the soil skeleton.
The uniqueness of multilinear PageRank vectors
Authors: Li Wen , Liu Dongdong , Ng Michael K. , Vong Seak‐Weng
Published: June 2017

The uniqueness of multilinear PageRank vectors is discussed, and the new uniqueness condition is given. The new results are better than the one given in the work of Gleich et al. published in SIAM J Matrix Anal Appl. 2015;36;1409‐1465. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the new theoretical results.
Outcome of adolescents and young adults compared to children with Hodgkin lymphoma treated with response‐based chemotherapy on pediatric protocols: A Children's Oncology Group report
Authors: Fernández Karen S. , Schwartz Cindy L. , Chen Lu , Constine Louis S. , Chauvenet Allen , de Alarcón Pedro A.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

We evaluated the outcome of children (<15 years) versus that of adolescents and young adults (AYA; 15–≤ 21 years) treated for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in two Pediatric Oncology Group/Children's Oncology Group clinical trials, P9425 and P9426, that used dose‐dense, response‐based chemotherapy and reduced dose radiotherapy.

Patients and methods

Subjects 21 years or younger with HL were eligible for these studies. Subjects with low‐risk (stages IA, IIA, and IIIA1) without large mediastinal adenopathy biopsy‐proven HL, eligible for P9426, were treated with two to four 28‐day cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, and etoposide (ABVE) chemotherapy and 25.5 Gy of involved field radiotherapy. Subjects with intermediate‐risk (stages IB, IIA, IIIA1 with large mediastinal adenopathy, and IIIA2) and high‐risk (stages IIB, IIIB, and IV) biopsy‐proven HL, eligible for P9425, were treated with three to five 21‐day cycles of ABVE plus prednisone and cyclophosphamide (ABVE‐PC) chemotherapy and 21 Gy of involved region radiotherapy. We compared the 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS), based on Kaplan–Meier product‐limit method, of children versus that of AYA.

Results

Four hundred seventy‐one subjects were enrolled on P9425 and P9426 combined. Of these subjects, 203 were AYA, 104 with intermediate and high‐risk HL, and 99 with low‐risk HL. The 5‐year EFS of children did not significantly differ from that of AYA (85.9 vs. 87.1%) with a median follow up of 7.7 years (P= 0.51).

Conclusion

Given the equivalent and excellent results of therapy, HL represents an opportunity for adult and pediatric cancer treatment collaborative groups to jointly design clinical trials targeted to AYA. These trials should focus on both treatment efficacy and the quality of life of AYA while receiving chemotherapy and in reduction of long‐term side effects in the survivorship years.
Metabolome Comparison of Bioactive and Inactive Rhododendron Extracts and Identification of an Antibacterial Cannabinoid(s) from Rhododendron collettianum
Authors: Hakeem Said Inamullah , Rezk Ahmed , Hussain Ishtiaq , Grimbs Anne , Shrestha Abhinandan , Schepker Hartwig , Brix Klaudia , Ullrich Matthias S. , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The science of metabolomics offers the possibility to measure full secondary plant metabolomes with limited experimental effort to allow identification of metabolome differences using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) data.

Objective

To demonstrate a bioinformatics driven hypothesis generator for identification of biologically active compounds in plant crude extracts, which is validated by activity guided fractionation.

Methodology

Crude extracts of Rhododendron leaves were tested for their antibacterial activity using agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays. Extracts were profiled by LC‐MS. PCA and PLS‐DA were used for differentiation of bioactive and inactive extracts and their metabolites. Preparative‐high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used for separation and structure elucidation of pure compound(s) respectively.

Results

An antibacterial Rhododendron collettianum was compared to a series of inactive extracts. Three metabolites were found to distinguish R. collettianum from other species indicating the ability of PCA and PLS‐DA to suggest potential bioactive substances. An activity‐guided fractionation of R. collettianum extracts was carried out and cannabiorcichromenic acid (CCA) was identified as antibacterial compound thereby validating the PCA and PLS‐DA generated hypothesis. Four mammalian cell lines were used to estimate possible cytotoxicity of CCA.

Conclusion

It was shown that bioinformatics tools facilitate early stage identification of a biologically active compound(s) using LC‐MS data, which reduce complexity and number of separation steps in bioactive screening. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Has cost inhibited the uptake of more potent statins in England?
Authors: Chapman Stephen R. , Fitzpatrick Raymond W. , Aladul Mohammed I.
Published: June 2017

Background

The use of statins has increased substantially over the last 2 decades in England and represents a significant cost burden to the National Health Service. Therefore, it is important to understand what influences prescribers' choice.

Objectives

This study examines the changes in use pattern of all statins in England (1998‐2015). The study focuses on the use of simvastatin and atorvastatin before and after their patent expiry and rosuvastatin, to investigate the impact of the reduced acquisition costs on prescribing.

Methods

Interrupted time series analysis of primary care use data from the health and social care information centre database from 1998 to 2015.

Results

Primary care expenditure on statins increased by 125% during the period 1998 to 2004 driven by branded simvastatin and atorvastatin. Before 2003, the rate of use of more potent branded atorvastatin exceeds branded simvastatin. Between 2004 and 2011, the less potent but less expensive agent generic simvastatin has the higher utilisation rate (66%). Since 2012, the more potent agent but less expensive generic atorvastatin has the higher utilisation rate (50%). The more potent branded rosuvastatin failed to make a significant impact on the English statins market.

Conclusions

The availability of generic statins has reduced overall expenditure significantly. When there is a significant price difference, acquisition cost appears to be the main influencing factor in prescribing statins, but, when costs are similar, potency is a key factor. This suggests that English prescribers are cost sensitive and appear to be prepared to trade marginal benefit for savings.
Reliability of commercial triple junction concentrator solar cells under real climatic conditions and its influence on electricity cost
Authors: Vazquez Manuel , Tamayo‐Arriola Julen , Orlando Vincenzo , Nuñez Neftali , Alburquerque Olga , Algora Carlos
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a methodology for assessing the concentrator solar cell reliability in a real application for a given location provided the results from accelerated life tests. We have applied this methodology for the evaluation of warranty times of commercial triple junction solar cells operating inside real concentrator modules in Golden (Colorado, USA), Madrid (Spain) and Tucson (Arizona, USA) for the period 2012–2015. Warranty times in Golden and Madrid, namely, 68 and 31 years, respectively, for the analysed period, indicate the robustness of commercial triple junction solar cells. Nevertheless, the warranty time of 15 years for Tucson suggests the need of improvement in the heat extraction of the solar cell within the concentrator module. Therefore, the influence of the location on the reliability of concentrator solar cells is huge, and it has no sense to supply general reliability values for a given concentrator product. The influence of these warranty times for the three locations on the levelised cost of electricity has been analysed. Cost of €c10–12/kWh can be achieved nowadays, while after 1 GWp cumulative installed power, a dramatic reduction to levels of €c2–3/kWh is achievable. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New copolymers with thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene or dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene units possessing electron‐withdrawing 4‐cyanophenyl groups: Synthesis and photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent properties
Authors: Výprachtický Drahomír , Demirtas Ilknur , Dzhabarov Vagif , Pokorná Veronika , Ertas Erdal , Ozturk Turan , Cimrová Věra
Published: June 2017

New monomers containing 4‐cyanophenyl (–PhCN) groups attached to a thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (TT) or dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene (DTT) structure were synthesized and characterized as 4‐(2,5‐dibromothieno[3,2‐b]thiophen‐3‐yl)benzonitrile (Br–TT–PhCN) or 4,4′‐(2,6‐dibromodithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene‐3,5‐diyl)dibenzonitrile (Br–DTT–PhCN). The Suzuki coupling of 9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diboronic acid bis(1,3‐propanediol)ester and the Br–TT–PhCN or Br–DTT–PhCN monomer was utilized for the syntheses of novel copolymers poly{9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐3‐(4′‐cyanophenyl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐2,5‐diyl} (PFTT–PhCN) and poly{9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐3,5‐bis(4′‐cyanophenyl)dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene‐2,6‐diyl} (PFDTT–PhCN), respectively. The photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent (EL) properties of these novel copolymers were studied. Their photoluminescence (PL) exhibited the same emission maximum for both copolymers in solution. Red‐shifted PL emissions were observed in the thin films. The PL emission maximum of PFTT–PhCN was more significantly redshifted than that of PFDTT–PhCN, indicating more pronounced excimer or aggregate formation in PFTT–PhCN. The ionization potential (HOMO level) and electron affinity (LUMO level) values were 5.54 and 2.81 eV, respectively, for PFTT–PhCN and were 5.57 and 2.92 eV, respectively, for PFDTT–PhCN. Polymer light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with copolymer active layers were fabricated and studied. Anomalous behavior and memory effects were observed from the current–voltage characteristics of the LEDs for both copolymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2629–2638
Terpene based sustainable methacrylate copolymer series by emulsion polymerization: Synthesis and structure‐property relationship
Authors: Sarkar Preetom , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: June 2017

This work demonstrates the fabrication of terpene based sustainable methacrylate polymers by an environmentally benign emulsion polymerization method. The polymerization reaction has been found to be influenced by the side chain length of the methacrylate(s), which has been quantitatively calculated from the density functional theory. Apart from the analysis of the copolymer microstructure, various properties of the synthesized polymers have been studied and correlated with the structure of the methacrylate(s). The sub‐ambient glass transition temperature indicates rubbery nature of the synthesized copolymers. While the presence of residual unsaturations from the terpene moiety could act as an additional crosslinking site, the methacrylate group may facilitate the dispersion of polar additives. The completely new class of terpene‐based sustainable rubbery methacrylate polymers is thus envisaged as promising materials for polymer and allied industries. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2639–2649
Healable network polymers bearing flexible poly(lauryl methacrylate) chains via thermo‐reversible furan‐maleimide diels–alder reaction
Authors: Patil Sachin S. , Torris Arun , Wadgaonkar Prakash P.
Published: June 2017

A new ATRP initiator containing two furyl rings, namely, bis(furan‐2‐ylmethyl) 2‐bromopentanedioate was synthesized starting from commercially available l‐glutamic acid as a precursor. Well‐defined bisfuryl‐terminated poly(lauryl methacrylate) macromonomers with molecular weight and dispersity in the range 5000–12,000 g mol−1 and 1.30–1.37, respectively, were synthesized employing the initiator by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Independently, 1,1′,1″‐(nitrilotris(ethane‐2,1‐diyl))tris(1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione) was synthesized as a tris‐maleimide counterpart for furan‐maleimide click reaction. Thermo‐reversible network polymer bearing flexible poly(lauryl methacrylate; (PLMA) chains was obtained by furan‐maleimide Diels–Alder click reaction of bisfuryl‐terminated PLMA with 1,1′,1″‐(nitrilotris(ethane‐2,1‐diyl))tris(1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione). The prepared network polymer showed retro‐Diels–Alder reaction in the temperature range 110–170 °C as determined from DSC analysis. The presence of low Tg (–40 °C) PLMA chains induced chain mobility to the network structure which led to the complete scratch healing of the coating at 60 °C in five days due to furan‐maleimide adduct formation. The storage modulus of the network polymer was found to be 3.7 × 104 Pa at the constant angular frequency of 5 rad/sec and strain of 0.5%. The regular reversal of storage (G′) and loss modulus (G″) was observed with repeated heating (40 to 110 °C) and cooling cycles (110 to 40 °C) at constant angular frequency and strain. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2700–2712
Surface reconstructions of (0001) AlN during metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Pristovsek Markus , Bellman Konrad , Mehnke Frank , Stellmach Joachim , Wernicke Tim , Kneissl Michael
Published: June 2017

We observed (0001) AlN wurzite surfaces by atomic force microscopy after 500 nm regrowth in metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy. The steps changed from double to single height with decreasing V/III ratio. The single height step edges were alternating smooth and rough due to the two different step types on (0001) wurzite surfaces. By reducing the V/III ratio, the widths equalize for terraces with smooth and rough edges, until Al terminated steps start to dominate, and thus promote again double height steps. Using in situ ellipsometry at nm under static conditions, we could directly identify three different surface reconstructions at high , low , and without which correlates with the different step terminations.
Dry transfer of CVD graphene using MoS2‐based stamps
Authors: Banszerus Luca , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Beschoten Bernd , Stampfer Christoph
Published: June 2017

Recently, a contamination‐free dry transfer method for graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been reported that allows to directly pick‐up graphene from the copper growth substrate using a flake of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), resulting in ultrahigh charge carrier mobility and low overall doping. Here, we report that not only hBN, but also flakes of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) can be used to dry transfer graphene. This, on one hand, allows for the fabrication of complex van‐der‐Waals heterostructures using CVD graphene combined with different two‐dimensional materials and, on the other hand, can be a route toward a scalable dry transfer of CVD graphene. The resulting heterostructures are studied using low temperature transport measurements revealing a strong charge carrier density dependence of the carrier mobilities (up to values of 12,000 cm2/(Vs)) and the residual charge carrier density fluctuations near the charge neutrality point when changing the carrier density in the MoS2 by applying a top gate voltage.
Formation of Spinel Phases in Oxidized BOF Slag under Different Cooling Conditions
Authors: Jiang Liang , Bao Yiwang , Yang Qixing , Chen Yuhong , Liu Guiqun , Han Fenglan , Wei Jie , Engström Fredrik , Deng Jiangyuan
Published: June 2017

To enhance utilization of wastes generated from steelmaking, a BOF slag sample from Ning Steel group in China is treated by oxidizing at 1500 °C for 30 min and then cooled by different methods. The treated samples are characterized, in combination with calculations using FactSage 6.4. XRD results show that iron oxides in BOF slag are converted largely by the oxidation to spinel phases, Fe3O4 and MgFe2O4, which also eliminates free CaO and MgO. EDS analyses show Fe element existing in di‐calcium silicate and glass phase, which are Fe3+ ions formed by oxidation. An incorporation of Fe3+ ions into crystal structures has stabilized high temperature polymorph of C2S, β‐C2S, and α’‐C2S, in the treated slag samples. Fe3+ ions may also act as a network former to facilitate glass formation. This may make it possible for the glass and α’‐C2S phase to complement each other, leading to a higher hydraulicity, while the BOF slag, after the spinel separation, is blended in cements. Some suggestions are proposed, based on the present and early studies, to enhance hydraulicity for the BOF slag, as well as grain sizes of spinel phases, which may result in economic and environmental benefits for steel and cement industries.
Covariance analysis for temporal data, with applications to DNA modelling
Authors: Dryden Ian , Hill Blake , Wang Hao , Laughton Charles
Published: June 2017

We introduce methodology for analysing the mean size‐and‐shape and covariance matrix of landmark data that are collected over time. Motivated by a study of DNA damage, we study some permutation‐based tests for investigating significant differences in the structure of the mean and the variability/covariance of size and shape of point sets that evolve over time. The covariance matrix tests make use of some recently introduced metrics for comparing covariance matrices. We demonstrate that the tests have the correct significance level in various simulation studies, and we also investigate the relative power of the tests. Finally, we apply the procedures to the DNA datasets, providing practical insights into different types of DNA damage. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die StreetScooter-Meilensteine 2008 – 2017
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Von Null auf „A12“ in einem Jahr. Vom Beginn der Post-Ära bis heute. Was in einem überschaubaren Zeitraum von ein paar Jahren aus dem StreetScooter geworden ist – hier ein Schnelldurchlauf.
Die StreetScooter-Lösungsbausteine
Authors: Kampker Achim , Gerdes Jürgen , Schuh Günther
Published: June 2017

Auf den ersten Blick ist der StreetScooter ein E-Mobil: vier Räder, ein Chassis, ein elektrisches Antriebsaggregat. Doch das ist nicht die Innovation, die elektrisiert. Der StreetScooter ist vor allem ein erfolgreiches Beispiel für ein radikal anderes Denken in puncto Industrialisierung und Umsetzung von Entwicklungsprozessen. Dieser Erfolg basiert auf einer bestimmten Denkweise, einer konkreten Strategie sowie klar definierten Lösungsbausteinen und -prinzipien.
The Efficacy of Genetic Counseling for Psychiatric Disorders: a Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Moldovan Ramona , Pintea Sebastian , Austin Jehannine
Published: June 2017

Psychiatric illnesses are complex, highly heritable disorders that have substantial implications for both affected individuals and their families. Though genetic testing is currently limited in its clinical usefulness in this area, interest in genetic counseling for psychiatric disorders has a relatively long history and many positive outcomes have been posited. Yet, empirical studies of genetic counseling outcomes have been emerging only more recently. The aim of the current meta‐analysis was to analyze the efficacy of genetic counseling and explore potential moderators of its effect. An extensive electronic search was conducted investigating the literature published until July 2016. The initial search resulted in 2367 articles, four of which met the inclusion criteria and were included in the quantitative meta‐analysis. Effect size parameters and sample sizes for all variables in each study were included. The efficacy has ben demonstrated both at post‐intervention and at follow up, with an overall statistically significant effect size of moderate intensity. Implications of this study are discussed in detail.
Invasive Prenatal Diagnostic Testing Recommendations are Influenced by Maternal Age, Statistical Misconception and Perceived Liability
Authors: Miron‐Shatz Talya , Rapaport Sivan R. , Srebnik Naama , Hanoch Yaniv , Rabinowitz Jonina , Doniger Glen M. , Levi Linda , Rolison Jonathan J. , Tsafrir Avi
Published: June 2017

Funding policy and medico‐legal climate are part of physicians’ reality and might permeate clinical decisions. This study evaluates the influence of maternal age and government funding on obstetrician/gynecologist recommendation for invasive prenatal testing (i.e. amniocentesis) for Down syndrome (DS), and its association with the physician's assessment of the risk of liability for medical malpractice unless they recommend amniocentesis. Israeli physicians (N = 171) completed a questionnaire and provided amniocentesis recommendations for women at 18 weeks gestation with normal preliminary screening results, identical except aged 28 and 37. Amniocentesis recommendations were reversed for the younger (‘yes’ regardless of testing results: 6.4%; ‘no’ regardless of testing results: 31.6%) versus older woman (‘yes’ regardless of testing results: 40.9%; ‘no’ regardless of testing results: 7.0%; χ2 = 71.55, p < .01). About half of the physicians endorsed different recommendations per scenario; of these, 65.6% recommended amniocentesis regardless of testing results for the 37‐year‐old woman. Physicians routinely performing amniocentesis and those advocating for amniocentesis for all women ≥ age 35 were approximately twice as likely to vary their recommendations per scenario. Physicians who perceived risk of liability for malpractice as large were nearly one‐and‐a‐half times more likely to vary recommendations. The results indicate physicians’ recommendations are influenced by maternal age, though age is already incorporated in prenatal DS risk evaluations. The physician's assessment of the risk that they will be sued unless they recommend amniocentesis may contribute to this spurious influence.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Modulation of the TGF-β1-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated by P1 and P2 purine receptors in MDCK cells
Authors: Zuccarini Mariachiara , Giuliani Patricia , Buccella Silvana , Di Liberto Valentina , Mudò Giuseppa , Belluardo Natale , Carluccio Marzia , Rossini Margherita , Condorelli Daniele Filippo , Rathbone Michel Piers , Caciagli Francesco , Ciccarelli Renata , Di Iorio Patrizia
Published: June 2017

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs during embryogenesis or under pathological conditions such as hypoxia, injury, chronic inflammation, or tissue fibrosis. In renal tubular epithelial cells (MDCK), TGF-β1 induces EMT by reducing or increasing epithelial or mesenchymal marker expression, respectively. In this study, we confirmed that the cAMP analogues, 8-CPT-cAMP or N6-Ph-cAMP, inhibited the TGF-β1-driven overexpression of the mesenchymal markers ZEB-1, Slug, Fibronectin, and α-SMA. Furthermore, we showed that A1, A2A, P2Y1, P2Y11, and P2X7 purine receptor agonists modulated the TGF-β1-induced EMT through the involvement of PKA and/or MAPK/ERK signaling. The stimulation of A2A receptor reduced the overexpression of the EMT-related markers, mainly through the cAMP-dependent PKA pathway, as confirmed by cell pre-treatment with Myr-PKI. Both A1 and P2Y1 receptor stimulation exacerbated the TGF-β1-driven effects, which were reduced by cell pre-treatment with the MAPK inhibitor PD98059, according to the increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation upon receptor activation. The effects induced by P2Y11 receptor activation were oppositely modulated by PKA or MAPK inhibition, in line with the dual nature of the Gs- and Gq-coupled receptor. Differently, P2X7 receptor induced, per se, similar and not additive effects compared to TGF-β1, after prolonged cell exposure to BzATP. These results suggest a putative role of purine receptors as target for anti-fibrotic agents.
El ferrocarril colombiano: 4 temas recurrentes en la literatura
Authors: Márquez Luis
Published: June 2017

El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar qué se ha investigado sobre el ferrocarril colombiano y qué temas deberían ser objeto de estudio para comprender mejor el futuro del transporte de carga por ferrocarril en Colombia. El trabajo está basado en una revisión descriptiva de la literatura que permitió identificar4 temas recurrentes sobre el ferrocarril colombiano: los problemas administrativos del Estado, la competencia con el modo carretero, el transporte del carbón y algunos elementos técnicos como el trazado, la capacidad ferroviaria, la eficiencia, la integración modal y la modelación del transporte. Además de la revisión, que es de gran valor para los tomadores de decisiones sobre comercio internacional, política económica y economía regional, son identificadas temáticas de investigación futura.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation for diffuse large B-cell and follicular lymphoma
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: June 2017

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) constitutes a collection of lymphoproliferative disorders with diverse biologic, histologic, and clinical features. With a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis, recently there have been major advances in the treatment of NHLs including addition of novel monoclonal antibodies, targeted therapies, and immune activators to the therapy armamentarium. Despite these remarkable developments, autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) remains not only a standard-of-care curative option for aggressive NHL but also an important therapeutic option for indolent NHL. In NHL, for patients with high-risk features, including those heavily pretreated or with refractory disease or those experiencing failure after an auto-HCT, allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT) remains the only curative option. In this review, we briefly discuss the role of transplantation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). In DLBCL patients, we discuss the role of HCT in clinically and biologically defined ultra-high-risk disease. In FL patients, auto-HCT is best reserved for relapsed chemosensitive patients after two to three lines of prior chemoimmunotherapies, who are not candidates for allo-HCT, either because of donor unavailability, associated comorbidities, or patient preference. Reduced-intensity conditioning allo-HCT offers the curative option for patients with relapsed/refractory FL. Although the emergence of targeted, biologic, and immunological therapies is welcoming, it is currently unclear how these new therapies might enhance or replace allo-HCT. Until we have further definitive data, allo-HCT remains the only curative option.
Recent advances in understanding multiple myeloma
Authors: Hari Parameswaran
Published: June 2017

There have been major recent advancements in the understanding and management of multiple myeloma which in turn has led to unprecedented survival outcomes for patients. Diagnostic and response criteria have been recently revised. Our understanding of clonal progression, evolution, and clonal tides will inform therapeutic choices and appropriate treatment for patients. Response rates to initial induction with modern triplet therapies containing proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators have made this approach the global standard for initial treatment. Although the relevance of autologous transplantation has been questioned in the setting of modern induction therapy, we have new data suggesting its continued relevance. Recent studies performed in the context of novel agent induction suggest that autologous transplantation continues to improve response rates and progression-free survival, thus underscoring its role in transplant-eligible patients. Emerging paradigms in the treatment of multiple myeloma include immune approaches, such as adoptive cellular therapies, vaccines, or antibody-based immune manipulations, all of which seem to synergize with a transplant platform. Allogeneic transplantation is limited in scope by the concern of prohibitive toxicity and is applicable mainly to younger patients with high-risk disease. However, the allogeneic approach offers even more options of immunotherapy at relapse, including donor lymphocyte infusions, immunomodulatory drug maintenance, and withdrawal of immune suppression.
Complications of hematopoietic stem transplantation
Authors: Omrani Ali S. , Almaghrabi Reem S.
Published: June 2017

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at increased risk of invasive fungal infections, especially during the early neutropenic phase and severe graft- versus-host disease. Mold-active prophylaxis should be limited to the highest risk groups. Empiric antifungal therapy for HSCT with persistent febrile neutropenia is associated with unacceptable response rates, unnecessary antifungal therapy, increased risk of toxicity, and inflated costs. Empiric therapy should not be a substitute for detailed work up to identify the cause of fever in such patients. The improved diagnostic performance of serum biomarkers such as galac- tomannan and β-D-glucan, as well as polymerase chain reaction assays has allowed the development of diagnostic-driven antifungal therapy strategies for high risk patients. Diagnostic-driven approaches have resulted in reduced unnecessary antifungal exposure, improved diagnosis of invasive fungal disease, and reduced costs without increased risk of mortality. The appropriateness of diagnostic-driven antifungal strategy for individual HSCT centers depends on the availability and turnaround times for diagnostics, multidisciplinary expertise, and the local epidemiology of invasive fungal infections. Echinocandins are the treatment of choice for invasive candidiasis in most HSCT recipients. Fluconazole may be used for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in hemodynamically stable patients with no prior azole exposure. The primary treatment of choice for invasive aspergillosis is voriconazole. Alternatives include isavuconazole and lipid formulations of amphotericin. Currently available evidence does not support routine primary combination antifungal therapy for invasive aspergillosis. However, combination salvage antifungal therapy may be considered in selected patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for the majority of HSCT recipients on itraconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and risk of dementia among members of a health care delivery system
Authors: Flatt Jason D. , Gilsanz Paola , Quesenberry Charles P. , Albers Kathleen B. , Whitmer Rachel A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk of dementia in male veterans, but little is known in females and civilians.

Methods

PTSD and comorbidities were abstracted from medical records from 1/1/1996 to 12/31/2001. Dementia incidence from 1/1/2002 to 12/31/2014 in 499,844 health care members aged 60+ years over an average of 8.2 years. Cox proportional hazard models were adjusted for age, demographics, and comorbidities.

Results

PTSD was associated with increased risk of dementia over an average of 8 years of follow‐up (females: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30–1.95; males: HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.51–2.55). There was a two‐fold risk of dementia in those with both PTSD and depression (females: HR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.66–2.59; males: HR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.47–2.91) versus those without.

Discussion

PTSD was a risk factor for dementia in both sexes, with a heightened risk in those with comorbid depression.
Soft Law and Global Health Problems
Authors: Sekalala Sharifah
Published: June 2017

Various legal approaches have been taken internationally to improve global access to essential medicines for people in developing countries. This book focuses on the millions of people suffering from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Beginning with the AIDS campaign for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, Sharifah Sekalala argues that a soft law approach is more effective than hard law by critiquing the current TRIPS flexibilities within the World Trade Organization. She then considers how soft law has also been instrumental in the fight against malaria and tuberculosis. Using these compelling case studies, this book explores lawmaking on global health and analyses the viability of current global health financing trends within new and traditional organisations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, UNITAID and The Global Fund. This book is essential reading for legal, development, policy and health scholars, activists and policymakers working across political economy, policy studies and global health studies.