bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Receptor Heteromerization Using In Situ Proximity Ligation Assay
Authors: Gomes Ivone , Sierra Salvador , Devi Lakshmi A.
Published: December 2016

Although G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromerization has been extensively demonstrated in vitro using heterologous cells that overexpress epitope‐tagged receptors, their presence in endogenous systems is less well established. This is because a criterion to identify receptor heteromerization is the demonstration that the two interacting receptors are present not only in the same cell but also in the same subcellular compartment in close enough proximity to allow for direct receptor‐receptor interaction. This has been difficult to study in native tissues due to a lack of sensitive and selective tools not only capable of detecting low‐abundance proteins but also of demonstrating that they are in sufficiently close proximity to interact. The latter can be achieved using a proximity ligation assay (PLA). Detailed in this unit are protocols for demonstrating the presence of GPCR heteromers in endogenous cells as well as animal and human tissues, the controls required for these assays, and troubleshooting tips. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Stability of Drugs, Drug Candidates, and Metabolites in Blood and Plasma
Authors: Reed Gregory A.
Published: December 2016

Determination of drug or drug metabolite concentrations in biological samples, particularly in serum or plasma, is fundamental to describing the relationships between administered dose, route of administration, and time after dose for achieving the optimal clinical response. While a well‐characterized, accurate analytical method is needed to define these parameters, it must also be established that the analyte concentration in the sample at the time of analysis is identical to the concentration at sample acquisition. This is necessitated by the fact that drugs and their metabolites are susceptible to degradation in samples due to metabolism or to physical and chemical processes, resulting in a lower measured concentration than was in the original sample. Careful examination of analyte stability during processing and storage and, if necessary, adjustment of procedures and conditions to maximize stability, are a critical component of method validation to ensure the accuracy of the data. The protocols provided in this unit address the stability of the analytes in whole blood and blood‐derived samples prior to sample preparation for analysis. Issues addressed include sample acquisition, processing of whole blood, and storage of blood‐derived samples. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The precipitation mechanism of calcium carbonate in the gas‐liquid‐solid three phase at alkalescency condition
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Zhang Xiangchao , Ge Yueyue , Su Min , Zhong Zhaolong
Published: December 2016

The precipitation of calcium carbonate in heat exchanger is a serious problem in seawater desalination which results in significant decrease of heat exchange efficiency and tedious cleaning. Decalcification pretreatment by acidic flue gas provides an efficient and economical solution to this problem, but few literature has been reported about the crystallization mechanism of CaCO3, including the supersaturation ratio, the relationship between the supersaturation ratio of the reaction solution and the crystallization growth rate of CaCO3in the CO2‐CaCl2‐H2O system. In this study, the crystallization of CaCO3was studied by combing the dynamic method and the static method to ensure the accuracy in measuring the carbonate ion concentration by chemical titration at pH = 8.0 in the CO2‐CaCl2‐H2O system. It was found that there existed an ion competition between HCO3−and CO2(aq) in the CO2‐CaCl2‐H2O system, which led to fluctuations of CO2absorption rate. The supersaturation ratio of the reaction solution still increased when the reaction crystallization rate was reduced. The variations of the concentration of HCO3−, CO32−and Ca2+ions with time were investigated. The growth process of the vaterite was monitored and described on mesoscale.
Electrochemical Water Oxidation by a Catalyst‐Modified Metal–Organic Framework Thin Film
Authors: Lin Shaoyang , Pineda‐Galvan Yuliana , Maza William A. , Epley Charity C. , Zhu Jie , Kessinger Matthew C. , Pushkar Yulia , Morris Amanda J.
Published: December 2016

Water oxidation, a key component in artificial photosynthesis, requires high overpotentials and exhibits slow reaction kinetics that necessitates the use of stable and efficient heterogeneous water‐oxidation catalysts (WOCs). Here, we report the synthesis of UiO‐67 metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films doped with [Ru(tpy)(dcbpy)OH2]2+ (tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine, dcbpy=5,5′‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine) on conducting surfaces and their propensity for electrochemical water oxidation. The electrocatalyst oxidized water with a turnover frequency (TOF) of (0.2±0.1) s−1 at 1.71 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) in buffered solution (pH∼7) and exhibited structural and electrochemical stability. The electroactive sites were distributed throughout the MOF thin film on the basis of scan‐ratedependent voltammetry studies. This work demonstrates a promising way to immobilize large concentrations of electroactive WOCs into a highly robust MOF scaffold and paves the way for future photoelectrochemical water‐splitting systems.
Create a chapter of DAPi to recognize students with disabilities
Authors: Miller Edith F.
Published: December 2016

The Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society is a growing organization that celebrates and supports students with disabilities in higher education. With more than 100 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the country, DAPi enhances diversity and visibility for high‐achieving students with disabilities. The officers and board of directors are interested in answering questions and assisting other colleges and universities in establishing chapters.
Help students by easing the whole family during the college transition process
Authors: Hamblet Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2016

As I discussed in my last article (see Oct. 2016 issue), some parents may have trouble “stepping back” as their student starts college. Some disability services providers try to ease this transition by meeting with parents and students as the college transition begins. But at the Savannah College of Art and Design, staff members go further, integrating parents into their students' transition by inviting them to join in a special orientation program called Jump Start.
Drought events and their effects on vegetation productivity in China
Authors: Zhang Li , Xiao Jingfeng , Zhou Yu , Zheng Yi , Li Jing , Xiao Han
Published: December 2016

Many parts of the world have experienced frequent and severe droughts during the last few decades. Most previous studies examined the effects of specific drought events on vegetation productivity. In this study, we characterized the drought events in China from 1982 to 2012 and assessed their effects on vegetation productivity inferred from satellite data. We first assessed the occurrence, spatial extent, frequency, and severity of drought using the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). We then examined the impacts of droughts on China's terrestrial ecosystems using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). During the period 1982–2012, China's land area (%) experiencing drought showed an insignificant trend. However, the drought conditions had been more severe over most regions in northern parts of China since the end of the 1990s, indicating that droughts hit these regions more frequently due to the drier climate. The severe droughts substantially reduced annual and seasonal NDVI. The magnitude and direction of the detrended NDVI under drought stress varied with season and vegetation type. The inconsistency between the regional means of PDSI and detrended NDVI could be attributed to different responses of vegetation to drought and the timing, duration, severity, and lag effects of droughts. The negative effects of droughts on vegetation productivity were partly offset by the enhancement of plant growth resulting from factors such as lower cloudiness, warming climate, and human activities (e.g., afforestation, improved agricultural management practices).
Whitebark pine mortality related to white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle outbreak, and water availability
Authors: Shanahan Erin , Irvine Kathryn M. , Thoma David , Wilmoth Siri , Ray Andrew , Legg Kristin , Shovic Henry
Published: December 2016

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) forests in the western United States have been adversely affected by an exotic pathogen (Cronartium ribicola, causal agent of white pine blister rust), insect outbreaks (Dendroctonus ponderosae, mountain pine beetle), and drought. We monitored individual trees from 2004 to 2013 and characterized stand‐level biophysical conditions through a mountain pine beetle epidemic in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Specifically, we investigated associations between tree‐level variables (duration and location of white pine blister rust infection, presence of mountain pine beetle, tree size, and potential interactions) with observations of individual whitebark pine tree mortality. Climate summaries indicated that cumulative growing degree days in years 2006–2008 likely contributed to a regionwide outbreak of mountain pine beetle prior to the observed peak in whitebark mortality in 2009. We show that larger whitebark pine trees were preferentially attacked and killed by mountain pine beetle and resulted in a regionwide shift to smaller size class trees. In addition, we found evidence that smaller size class trees with white pine blister rust infection experienced higher mortality than larger trees. This latter finding suggests that in the coming decades white pine blister rust may become the most probable cause of whitebark pine mortality. Our findings offered no evidence of an interactive effect of mountain pine beetle and white pine blister rust infection on whitebark pine mortality in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Interestingly, the probability of mortality was lower for larger trees attacked by mountain pine beetle in stands with higher evapotranspiration. Because evapotranspiration varies with climate and topoedaphic conditions across the region, we discuss the potential to use this improved understanding of biophysical influences on mortality to identify microrefugia that might contribute to successful whitebark pine conservation efforts. Using tree‐level observations, the National Park Service‐led Greater Yellowstone Interagency Whitebark Pine Long‐term Monitoring Program provided important ecological insight on the size‐dependent effects of white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle, and water availability on whitebark pine mortality. This ongoing monitoring campaign will continue to offer observations that advance conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Pure, White and Deadly… Expensive: A Bitter Sweetness in Health Care Expenditure
Authors: Castro Vitor
Published: December 2016

This paper analyses the impact of sugar availability/intake on diabetes expenditure and on total health care expenditure. Building this macroeconomic analysis upon the literature on the determinants of health care expenditure, we estimate a dynamic panel data model over a sample of 156 countries for the period 1995–2014. After controlling for the traditional determinants of health care spending, we find that an increase in sugar availability/intake leads to a significant rise in diabetes expenditure (per capita and per diabetic) and in the growth rate of total health care expenditure per capita. Moreover, we show that this causal relation is present in both developed and developing countries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tritium analysis shows apple trees may be transpiring water several decades old
Authors: Zhang Zhi Qiang , Evaristo Jaivime , Li Zhi , Si Bing C. , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2016

Recent work has shown evidence of ecohydrological separation whereby plants appear to use a less mobile soil water pool that does not mix with more mobile soil water, groundwater, and streamflow. Although many elements of this two water worlds hypothesis remain to be tested and challenged, one key question is “how old might the less mobile water used by plants be?” Such a question is methodologically difficult to answer: stable isotope tracing makes it difficult to resolve any water age older than a few years since the signal gets so damped. Tritium—a useful radiogenic isotope and age dating tool, is now difficult to use in natural systems because most bomb tritium has washed out of soil profiles. Here, we leverage new data from an unusually deep, homogenous soil profile that preserves the mid‐1960s tritium bomb signal. We sample the Fuji apple trees (Malus pumila Mil) growing on this site that have root systems that penetrate over 15 m and utilize water from within the bomb peak soil water distribution (extracted via cryogenic extraction). Our data show that water used by these trees is on average 29 years old. Bayesian mixing analysis suggests that 40 ± 30% of fruit tissue water came from depths between 4 and 9 m within the soil profile (36 ± 9 years old); 60 ± 29% was equally divided between 0 and 4 m and 9–15 m ranges (13 ± 5 years old). These findings suggest that trees can use quite old less mobile water, highlighting the separation in ages between more mobile soil water and water in transit in sap flow.
American undergraduate students' value development during the Great Recession
Authors: Park Heejung , Twenge Jean M. , Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: December 2016

The Great Recession's influence on American undergraduate students' values was examined, testing Greenfield's and Kasser's theories concerning value development during economic downturns. Study 1 utilised aggregate‐level data to investigate (a) population‐level value changes between the pre‐recession (2004–2006: n = 824,603) and recession freshman cohort (2008–2010: n = 662,262) and (b) overall associations of population‐level values with national economic climates over long‐term periods by correlating unemployment rates and concurrent aggregate‐level values across 1966–2015 (n = 10 million). Study 2 examined individual‐level longitudinal value development from freshman to senior year, and whether the developmental trajectories differed between those who completed undergraduate education before the Great Recession (freshmen in 2002, n = 12,792) versus those who encountered the Great Recession during undergraduate years (freshmen in 2006, n = 13,358). Results suggest American undergraduate students' increased communitarianism (supporting Greenfield) and materialism (supporting Kasser) during the Great Recession. The recession also appears to have slowed university students' development of positive self‐views. Results contribute to the limited literature on the Great Recession's influence on young people's values. They also offer theoretical and practical implications, as values of this privileged group of young adults are important shapers of societal values, decisions, and policies.
Separase: Function Beyond Cohesion Cleavage and an Emerging Oncogene
Authors: Kumar Ravinder
Published: December 2016

Proper and timely segregation of genetic endowment is necessary for survival and perpetuation of every species. Mis‐segregation of chromosomes and resulting aneuploidy leads to genetic instability, which can jeopardize the survival of an individual or population as a whole. Abnormality with segregation of genetic contents has been associated with several medical consequences including cancer, sterility, mental retardation, spontaneous abortion, miscarriages, and other birth related defects. Separase, by irreversible cleavage of cohesin complex subunit, paves the way for metaphase/anaphase transition during the cell cycle. Both over or reduced expression and altered level of separase have been associated with several medical consequences including cancer, as a result separase now emerges as an important oncogene and potential molecular target for medical intervenes. Recently, separase is also found to be essential in separation and duplication of centrioles. Here, I review the role of separase in mitosis, meiosis, non‐canonical roles of separase, separase regulation, as a regulator of centriole disengagement, nonproteolytic roles, diverse substrates, structural insights, and association of separase with cancer. At the ends, I proposed a model which showed that separase is active throughout the cell cycle and there is a mere increase in separase activity during metaphase contrary to the common believes that separase is inactive throughout cell cycle except for metaphase. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1283–1299, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uremic Serum Impairs Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Della Bella Elena , Pagani Stefania , Giavaresi Gianluca , Capelli Irene , Comai Giorgia , Donadei Chiara , Cappuccilli Maria , La Manna Gaetano , Fini Milena
Published: December 2016

Chronic Kidney Disease‐Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD‐MBD) is characterized by an increased fracture risk. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) may be involved in the pathogenesis of bone disease and, in view of their promising potential applications in bone tissue engineering, the effect of uremia on BMSCs regenerative potential represents a central issue. The present study evaluated in vitro the effect of a serum pool from hemodialysis patients on BMSCs to observe its influence on osteogenic differentiation. Besides alterations in spatial organization and cytotoxicity along with hyperproliferation, gene expression analysis suggested an impairment in the osteogenic differentiation. More importantly, Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) was upregulated with a mild reduction in osteoprotegerin levels. In summary, uremic environment seems to impair BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. Moreover BMSCs themselves may enhance osteoclastogenesis, feasibly contributing to the altered bone remodeling in CKD‐MBD patients. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2201–2209, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mesenchyme Homeobox 2 Enhances Migration of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells Exposed to Intrauterine Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gohn Cassandra R. , Blue Emily K. , Sheehan BreAnn M. , Varberg Kaela M. , Haneline Laura S.
Published: December 2016

Diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy has long‐lasting implications for the fetus, including cardiovascular morbidity. Previously, we showed that endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) from DM human pregnancies have decreased vasculogenic potential. Here, we evaluate whether the molecular mechanism responsible for this phenotype involves the transcription factor, Mesenchyme Homeobox 2 (MEOX2). In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, MEOX2 upregulates cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor expression, resulting in increased senescence and decreased proliferation. We hypothesized that dysregulated MEOX2 expression in neonatal ECFCs from DM pregnancies decreases network formation through increased senescence and altered cell cycle progression. Our studies show that nuclear MEOX2 is increased in ECFCs from DM pregnancies. To determine if MEOX2 is sufficient and/or required to induce impaired network formation, MEOX2 was overexpressed and depleted in ECFCs from control and DM pregnancies, respectively. Surprisingly, MEOX2 overexpression in control ECFCs resulted in increased network formation, altered cell cycle progression, and increased senescence. In contrast, MEOX2 knockdown in ECFCs from DM pregnancies led to decreased network formation, while cell cycle progression and senescence were unaffected. Importantly, migration studies demonstrated that MEOX2 overexpression increased migration, while MEOX2 knockdown decreased migration. Taken together, these data suggest that altered migration may be mediating the impaired vasculogenesis of ECFCs from DM pregnancies. While initially believed to be maladaptive, these data suggest that MEOX2 may serve a protective role, enabling increased vessel formation despite exposure to a DM intrauterine environment. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1885–1892, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐Atherosclerotic Effects of Vitamins D and E in Suppression of Atherogenesis
Authors: Rashidi Bahman , Hoseini Zahra , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Mirzaei Hamed
Published: December 2016

Atherosclerosis is a progressive and multifactorial disease which occurs under the influence of various risk factors including endothelial dysfunction (ED), oxidative stress, and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. In contract to the initial hypotheses on the usefulness of vitamin E supplementation for cardiovascular disease prevention, large outcome trials showed consumption of vitamin E has no obvious effect on cardiovascular disease and, in some cases, it may even increase the rate of mortality. This seemingly unexpected finding may be due to the opposite effects of vitamin E compounds. Vitamin E is a group of compounds which have different and even opposing effects, yet in most of the studies, the exact consumed component of vitamin E is not determined. It appears that the combined consumption of gamma‐tocopherol, vitamin C, D, and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) may be extremely effective in both preventing atherogenesis and suppressing plaque development. In this regard, one of main issues is effect of vitamins E and D deficiency on microRNAs network in atherosclerosis. Various studies have indicated that miRNAs have key roles in atherosclerosis pathogenesis. The deficiency of vitamins E and D could provide a deregulation for miRNAs network and these events could lead to progression of atherosclerosis. Here, we highlighted a variety of mechanisms involve in the progression of atherosclerosis and effects of vitamins D and E on these mechanisms. Moreover, we summarized miRNAs involve in atherosclerosis and their regulation by vitamins E and D deficiency. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2968–2976, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Notch Signaling Participates in TGF‐β‐Induced SOST Expression Under Intermittent Compressive Stress
Authors: Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Sumrejkanchanakij Piyamas , Pavasant Prasit , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: December 2016

Notch signaling is regulated by mechanical stimuli in various cell types. It has previously been reported that intermittent compressive stimuli enhanced sclerostin (SOST) expression in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLs) by regulating transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) expression. The aim of the present study was to determine the involvement of Notch signaling in the TGF‐β‐induced SOST expression in hPDLs. Cells were treated with intermittent compressive stress in a computer‐controlled apparatus for 24 h. The mRNA and protein expression of the cells were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. In some experiments, the target signaling pathway was impeded by the addition of a TGF‐β receptor kinase inhibitor (SB431542) or a γ‐secretase inhibitor (DAPT). The results demonstrated that hPDLs under intermittent compressive stress exhibited significantly higher NOTCH2, NOTCH3, HES1, and HEY1 mRNA expression compared with control, indicating that mechanical stress induced Notch signaling. DAPT pretreatment markedly reduced the intermittent stress‐induced SOST expression. The expression of NOTCH2, NOTCH3, HES1, and HEY1 mRNA under compressive stress was significantly reduced after pretreatment with SB431542, coinciding with a reduction in SOST expression. Recombinant human TGF‐β1 enhanced SOST, Notch receptor, and target gene expression in hPDLs. Further, DAPT treatment attenuated rhTGF‐β1‐induced SOST expression. In summary, intermittent compressive stress regulates Notch receptor and target gene expression via the TGF‐β signaling pathway. In addition, Notch signaling participates in TGF‐β‐induced SOST expression in hPDLs. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2221–2230, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convenient Structural Diversity‐Guided Synthesis of Functionalized Sulfur‐Containing Heterocycles via α‐Substituted Cyanoacetamides
Authors: Ke Shaoyong
Published: December 2016

A convenient molecular diversity‐oriented synthesis of various functional sulfur‐containing heterocyclic scaffolds mainly including isothiazole, 2H‐1,3‐thiazine, and thiazolidine via different methods from α‐substituted cyanoacetamides is described. The target molecules have been identified on the basis of analytical spectral data, which may serve as useful structural subunits in the fields of drug discovery.
Barcode technology and emergency medicine pharmacy
Authors: Welch Susan , Samios Peter
Published: December 2016

Background

The emergency medicine pharmacist (EMP) represents a new field of pharmacy practice in many hospitals and at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney the EMP visits the emergency department (ED) daily Monday to Wednesday (MW), with other pharmacists providing services on Thursday and Friday. Because newer practice areas need to justify services, barcode technology offers an efficient means to collect service provision data.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether barcode scanning could be used to efficiently describe and quantify EMP services, including the time involved in undertaking activities.

Method

The Activity BarCoding (ABC®) system is a commercially available software package that involves using a portable barcode scanner to collect and present data as an activity profile. The ABC® data generated for the EMP were reviewed for September 2012–March 2013.

Results

The MW EMP spent 124.5 h undertaking ED clinical care activities (1.48 h/day). In all, 634 patients were seen and, on average, the MW EMP spent 8.94 min with each patient (range: 6.97–9.93 min). Both clinical and non‐clinical activities could be described, with time allocation and interventions easily quantifiable.

Discussion

Barcode technology accurately recorded the variety of and time required for activities performed by the EMP and demonstrated EMP involvement in ED patient care. It provides information that describes and quantifies EMP services that can be used for business case development and service improvements. Further standardisation of activity and intervention categories will enhance data collection, benchmarking possibilities and multicentre research.
Changes in the number and significance of pharmacist interventions at an outpatient chemotherapy clinic between 2009 and 2013
Authors: McInerney Stephanie , Murphy Catherine , Rai Devang , Welch Susan
Published: December 2016

Background

Historically, at the site of the present study, chemotherapy orders were screened by a junior Grade 1/2 pharmacist. An audit in 2009 of pharmacy interventions when screening chemotherapy charts highlighted the need for a senior oncology pharmacist (SOP) to help improve the clinical service and patient safety. In October 2012 an integrated cancer care centre (ICCC) was opened where all outpatient chemotherapy was administered. The SOP was appointed and based in the ICCC.

Aim

To compare the number and significance of pharmacist interventions made when screening chemotherapy charts in the ICCC Pharmacy in 2013 with the results of a similar audit conducted in 2009 prior to the opening of the ICCC and the recruitment of a dedicated SOP.

Methods

Pharmacists prospectively recorded interventions and their outcome while screening outpatient chemotherapy charts in 2013. Interventions were separated into haematology and oncology specialties. Two ICCC pharmacists and the registrar of the corresponding specialty separately assessed the interventions, considering the consequence of impact and the likelihood of reoccurrence. Discrepancies were discussed and a decision reached. Results were compared with the previous audit in 2009.

Results

All interventions (2013) resulted in changed chemotherapy prescriptions. There were 90 pharmacist interventions over a 3‐month period in 2013 compared with 201 pharmacist interventions over a 3‐month period in 2009. The majority were low risk (2009: 54% (109/201); 2013: 62% (56/90); p = 0.126). There was no change in moderate or extreme risk interventions. There was a significant decrease in high‐risk interventions from 2009 to 2013 (18% (37/201) vs 1% (1/90), respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The introduction of a dedicated SOP and an ICCC has coincided with a reduced number of high‐risk pharmacist interventions. Better communication between physicians and pharmacy, and an increased pharmacist presence in the treatment centre, all potentially impact positively on patient safety.
Purification and characterization of peroxidase from sprouted green gram (Vigna radiata) roots and removal of phenol and p‐chlorophenol by immobilized peroxidase
Authors: Basha Shaik Akbar , Prasada Rao Ummiti JS
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Peroxidase activity was increased during germination of green gram and such an increase may have benefits in many physiological processes. The present study aimed to investigate the optimum conditions for the extraction, purification and characterization of peroxidase from the germinated green gram roots and also its application for the removal of phenols in water.

RESULTS

Peroxidase activity was increased by 300‐fold in 5‐day germinated green gram. Because the root was rich in peroxidase activity, peroxidase from roots was isolated and purified to homogeneity. The purified peroxidase showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a molecular weight of 50 kDa, an optimum pH of 5.5 and a pH stability ranging from 5 to 9. The enzyme had 50% residual activity at 70 °C. It catalyzed the oxidation of a variety of substrates. The Km value of the enzyme was 1.28 mmol L−1 for o‐dianisidine and 0.045 mmol L−1 for H2O2. The enzyme lost 100% activity in the presence of dithiothreitol and cysteine. The addition of copper ion increased the enzyme activity by three‐fold. Both soluble and immobilized peroxidases removed more phenol than p‐chlorphenol, whereas horseradish peroxidase removed more p‐chlorphenol. Thus, the green gram root peroxidase showed good pH and temperature stability, as well as the ability to remove phenolic compounds from effluent.

CONCLUSION

Peroxidase with good thermal and pH stability was purified from germinated green gram roots and has the ability to oxidize phenolic compounds from waste water. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Potassium uptake and redistribution in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grape tissues and its relationship with grape quality parameters
Authors: Ramos María Concepción , Romero María Paz
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated the potassium (K) levels in petiole and other grape tissues during ripening in Vitis vinifera Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in areas with differences in vigour, as well as with and without leaf thinning. Potassium levels in petiole, seeds, skin and flesh were related to grape pH, acidity, berry weight and total soluble solids.

RESULTS

Differences in K levels in petiole were in accordance with the differences in soil K. Leaf thinning gave rise to higher K levels in petiole but, in grape tissues, the differences were not significant in all samplings, with greater differences at the end of the growing cycle. Potassium levels per berry in grape tissues increased from veraison to harvest, with K mainly accumulated in skins and, to a lesser extent, in flesh. Potassium levels in flesh positively correlated with pH and total soluble solids, whereas the correlation with titratable acidity was negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Grape juice pH and total soluble solids positively correlated with K, whereas titratable acidity correlated negatively. Leaf thinning increased K levels in petiole, although differences in K levels in grape tissues were not significant. This suggests the need to consider the K berry concentration when aiming to optimise K fertilisation programmes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Heterotopic vascularized lymph node transfer to the medial calf without a skin paddle for restoration of lymphatic function: Proof of concept
Authors: Smith Mark L. , Molina Bianca J. , Dayan Erez , Saint‐Victor Diane S. , Kim Julie N. , Kahn Eugene S. , Kagen Alexander , Dayan Joseph H.
Published: December 2016

Background

The use of heterotopic vascularized lymph node transfer (HVLNT) for the treatment of lower extremity lymphedema is still evolving. Current techniques, either place the lymph nodes in the thigh without a skin paddle or at the ankle requiring an unsightly and often bulky skin paddle for closure. We explored the feasibility of doing a below‐knee transfer without a skin paddle using the medial sural vessels as recipient vessels and report our experience in 21 patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent HVLNT to the medial calf was performed. Postoperative magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and lymphoscintigraphy (LS) were analyzed to assess lymph node viability and function after transfer.

Results

Twenty‐one patients underwent HVLNT to the medial calf. Postoperative imaging was performed at an average of 11 months after surgery. Thirteen patients had postoperative MRA, of whom 12 demonstrated viable lymph nodes. Seven patients underwent postoperative LS, of whom three demonstrated uptake in the transferred nodes. In the other four patients, the injectate failed to reach the level of the proximal calf.

Conclusion

We provide proof of concept that HVLNT to the lower leg using the medial sural vessels without a skin paddle can result in viable and functional lymph nodes in the setting of lower extremity lymphedema. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:90–95. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resilience of Soil Properties to Land‐Use Change in a Tropical Dry Forest Ecosystem
Authors: Ayala‐Orozco Bárbara , Gavito Mayra E. , Mora Francisco , Siddique Ilyas , Balvanera Patricia , Jaramillo Víctor J. , Cotler Helena , Romero‐Duque Luz P. , Martínez‐Meyer Enrique
Published: December 2016

Land‐use change in tropical dry forests can dramatically alter soil properties, but little is known about their resilience. We assessed soil resilience by examining resistance to, as well as recovery from, pasture use by smallholder farmers in western Mexico. We measured 25 soil and vegetation properties and compared old‐growth forest (OGF) sites and pastures to evaluate resistance to pasture use. We assessed whether those properties recovered to OGF reference values after pasture abandonment by analyzing the trajectories of properties along a chronosequence of secondary vegetation. Finally, we assessed whether recovery of soil properties could be inferred from the recovery of vegetation properties. Nine out of 25 properties differed significantly between the OGF sites and pastures. From these nine nonresistant properties, six (i.e.,penetration resistance, soil C concentration, soil C/N, basal area, individual density, rarefied species richness of woody vegetation) showed recovery as a significant positive relationship with forest age. In contrast, surface litter C, litter C/N, and soil available P showed no resistance and no recovery within the successional period examined (up to 35 y). The best vegetation indicator for the recovery of some soil properties was woody species richness. This may suggest that functional differences of colonizing plants matter for recovery after pasture use. Our findings indicate that soil was overall resilient to pasture use, but some properties did not recover synchronously with vegetation properties during succession. Thus, more attention should be paid to soil function, because full ecosystem recovery is often inferred from the recovery of vegetation properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐linear wave models with power non‐linearity and scale‐invariant time‐dependent mass and dissipation
Authors: Nunes do Nascimento Wanderley , Palmieri Alessandro , Reissig Michael
Published: December 2016

In this paper we will consider the semi‐linear Cauchy problem for wave models with scale‐invariant time‐dependent mass and dissipation and power non‐linearity. The goal is to study the interplay between the coefficients of the mass and the dissipation term to prove blow‐up results or global existence (in time) of small data energy solutions.
A family of surfaces with and Albanese map of degree 3
Authors: Pignatelli Roberto , Polizzi Francesco
Published: December 2016

We study a family of surfaces of general type with and , originally constructed by Cancian and Frapporti by using the Computer Algebra System MAGMA. We provide an alternative, computer‐free construction of these surfaces, that allows us to describe their Albanese map and their moduli space.
Patient goals in rheumatoid arthritis care: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Hulen Elizabeth , Ervin Ayla , Schue Allison , Evans‐Young Gina , Saha Somnath , Yelin Edward H. , Barton Jennifer L.
Published: December 2016

Objective

During the clinical encounter, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient goals for care often go unexplored. The aim of the present systematic review was to identify needs, goals and expectations of RA patients in order better to guide systematic elicitation of patient goals in clinical encounters.

Methods

An academic librarian searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library using a specialized algorithm developed to identify articles about patient goals for RA care. Investigators screened search results according to prespecified inclusion criteria and then reviewed included articles and synthesized the evidence qualitatively, utilizing an inductive approach.

Results

A total of 909 titles were retrieved in the literature search, of which 871 were excluded after a title/abstract screen. Of the remaining 38, 22 papers were included in the final review. Investigators identified four major themes in the literature: (a) the bodily experience of RA; (b) achieving normalcy and maintaining wellness; (c) social connectedness and support; and (d) interpersonal and healthcare system interactions.

Conclusion

Patients' goals when receiving care for RA are multidimensional and span several facets of everyday life. Goals for RA care should be collaboratively developed between patients and providers, with particular attention to the patient's life context and priorities.
Mapped finite element methods: High‐order approximations of problems on domains with cracks and corners
Authors: Chiaramonte Maurizio M. , Shen Yongxing , Lew Adrian J.
Published: December 2016

Linear elasticity problems posed on cracked domains, or domains with re‐entrant corners, yield singular solutions that deteriorate the optimality of convergence of finite element methods. In this work, we propose an optimally convergent finite element method for this class of problems. The method is based on approximating a much smoother function obtained by locally reparameterizing the solution around the singularities. This reparameterized solution can be approximated using standard finite element procedures yielding optimal convergence rates for any order of interpolating polynomials, without additional degrees of freedom or special shape functions. Hence, the method provides optimally convergent solutions for the same computational complexity of standard finite element methods. Furthermore, the sparsity and the conditioning of the resulting system is preserved. The method handles body forces and crack‐face tractions, as well as multiple crack tips and re‐entrant corners. The advantages of the method are showcased for four different problems: a straight crack with loaded faces, a circular arc crack, an L‐shaped domain undergoing anti‐plane deformation, and lastly a crack along a bimaterial interface. Optimality in convergence is observed for all the examples. A proof of optimal convergence is accomplished mainly by proving the regularity of the reparameterized solution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult student brings personal experience to working with adult learners
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2016

Victoria Nielsen ended up at Ventura College working with adults by being an adult student. When she moved back to California after living in Chicago, Nielsen knew she wanted to diversify her skill set by returning to college to study child development. Nielsen found a job as a student‐worker in the admissions and records office while she was pursuing her own courses before moving to the position of matriculation specialist in Ventura's Student Assessment Department. During that time, Nielsen managed to take a full course load at Ventura while also working 40 hours a week.
Rapid Species‐level Identification of Salvias by Chemometric Processing of Ambient Ionisation Mass Spectrometry‐derived Chemical Profiles
Authors: Giffen Justine E. , Lesiak Ashton D. , Dane A. John , Cody Robert B. , Musah Rabi A.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The Salvia genus contains numerous economically important plants that have horticultural, culinary and nutraceutical uses. They are often similar in appearance, making species determination difficult. Species identification of dried Salvia products is also challenging since distinguishing plant morphological features are no longer present.

Objective

The development of a simple high‐throughput method of analysis of fresh and dried Salvia leaves that would permit rapid species‐level identification and detection of diagnostic biomarkers.

Methodology

Plant leaves were analysed in their native form by DART‐MS without the need for any sample preparation steps. This furnished chemical fingerprints characteristic of each species. In the same experiment, in‐source collision‐induced dissociation was used to identify biomarkers. Biomarker presence was also independently confirmed by GC–MS. Chemometric processing of DART‐MS profiles was performed by kernel discriminant analysis (KDA) and soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA) to classify the fingerprints according to species.

Results

The approach was successful despite the occurrence of diurnal cycle and plant‐age related chemical profile variations within species. In a single rapid experiment, the presence of essential oil biomarkers such as 3‐carene, α‐pinene, β‐pinene, β‐thujone, β‐caryophyllene, camphor and borneol could be confirmed. The method was applied to rapid identification and differentiation of Salvia apiana, S. dominica, S. elegans, S. officinalis, S. farinacea and S. patens.

Conclusion

Species‐level identification of Salvia plant material could be accomplished by chemometric processing of DART‐HRMS‐derived chemical profiles of both fresh and dried Salvia material. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of stress appraisal on the quality of life of adult patients with multiple myeloma and their primary family caregivers in Korea
Authors: La In Seo , Yun Eun Kyoung
Published: December 2016

Background

Modern treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) has improved disease control and prolonged survival; thus, maintenance of quality of life (QoL) is considered a great concern for MM patients and their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to identify dyadic associations between stress appraisal and the QoL of patients with MM and their caregivers in Korea.

Methods

A total of 102 MM patient‐caregiver dyads participated in this study. They independently reported their stress appraisal and QoL. The study was guided by a transactional model of stress and coping, and analyzed by using the actor‐partner interdependence model.

Results

The results revealed good data adjustment with acceptable indices: χ2 = 6.211 (df = 6), CFI = 0.999, TLI = 0.994, RMSEA = 0.019, and SRMR = 0.043. MM patients' QoL were significantly correlated with caregivers' QoL. The stress appraisals of patients and caregivers mutually influenced each other's QoL. The patients' illness perception and the caregivers' burden were strong predictors for their QoL. The self‐efficacy of patients and caregivers was also associated with their QoL.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the way patients and caregivers perceive and respond to stress plays a significant role in their QoL during the treatment experience. Interventions designed to reconstruct negative perspectives and improve self‐efficacy may help both patients and caregivers to improve their QoL.
Imidacloprid seed treatments affect individual ant behavior and community structure but not egg predation, pest abundance or soybean yield
Authors: Penn Hannah J , Dale Andrew M
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Neonicotinoid seed treatments are under scrutiny because of their variable efficacy against crop pests and for their potential negative impacts on non‐target organisms. Ants provide important biocontrol services in agroecosystems and can be indicators of ecosystem health. This study tested for effects of exposure to imidacloprid plus fungicide or fungicide‐treated seeds on individual ant survival, locomotion and foraging capabilities and on field ant community structure, pest abundance, ant predation and yield.

RESULTS

Cohorts of ants exposed to either type of treated seed had impaired locomotion and a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality but no loss of foraging capacity. In the field, we saw no difference in ant species richness, regardless of seed treatment. Blocks with imidacloprid did have higher species evenness and diversity, probably owing to variable effects of the insecticide on different ant species, particularly Tetramorium caespitum. Ant predation on sentinel eggs, pest abundance and soybean growth and yield were similar in the two treatments.

CONCLUSION

Both seed treatments had lethal and sublethal effects on ant individuals, and the influence of imidacloprid seed coating in the field was manifested in altered ant community composition. Those effects, however, were not strong enough to affect egg predation, pest abundance or soybean yield in field blocks. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Recurrent pneumothorax related to diffuse dendriform pulmonary ossification in genetically predisposed individual
Authors: Tsai Amy Po Yu , English John C. , Murphy Darra , Sin Don D.
Published: December 2016

Diffuse pulmonary ossification (DPO) is a rare disease with unknown pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options. This report describes the diagnosis of DPO in an otherwise healthy 26‐year‐old man with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. His father was diagnosed with a similar lung condition in his 30's with computed tomography (CT) images that were strikingly similar to those of the patient. This report suggests that DPO can induce spontaneous pneumothorax and its pathogenesis may have a possible genetic predisposition that needs further research.
Robust non‐fragile control for delayed singular Markovian jump systems with actuator saturation and partially unknown transition probabilities
Authors: Yang Guowei , Xie Jing , Kao Yonggui , Wang Changhong
Published: December 2016

The paper is devoted to the investigation of the problem of robust non‐fragile
control for singular Markovian jump systems with time‐varying delay and saturating actuators under partially unknown transition probabilities. By employing a Lyapunow function, a mode‐dependent robust non‐fragile
state feedback controller, as well as an estimate of the domain of attraction in the mean square sense, is derived to guarantee stochastic admissibility of the corresponding closed‐loop system with actuator saturation. The controller parameters can be obtained by solving a series of linear matrix inequalities. An illustrative example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.