bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active nano/microbilayer hemostatic agents for diabetic rat bleeding model
Authors: Karahaliloğlu Zeynep , Demirbilek Murat , Ulusoy İbrahim , Gümüşkaya Berrak , Denkbaş Emir Baki
Published: April 2016

Patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased cardiovascular risk due to the abnormality of hemostatic system components. Therefore, hemostasis is an important concept when considering that diabetics are under risk due to potential bleeding complications during surgical operation. The aim of our study was to examine the efficiency of a fabricated nano/microbilayer hemostatic dressing for bleeding control in diabetic patients. For this purpose, we prepared a nano/microbilayer hemostatic dressing that has a porous sublayer, including chitosan (CTS), bacterial cellulose (BC) as basement and active agents in coagulation cascade, such as vitamin K (Vit K), protamine sulfate (PS), and kaolin (Kao) as a filler and an upper layer consisting of silk fibroin (SF) or SF/phosphatidylcholine (PC) blend to achieve complete hemostasis in diabetic rats. Coagulative performances of the prepared hemostatic dressings were examined by the determination of bleeding time, blood loss, and mortality rate through diabetic rat femoral artery injury model. The percent of diabetic rat blood absorption was found to be 247 ± 5% for gauze as opposed to 2214 ± 56% for SF‐coated PS/BC/CTS. Vit K‐reinforced within 138 s and SF‐coated BC/CTS hemostatic dressings within 144 s showed a rapid coagulation time.In vivocoagulation studies demonstrated that hemostatic agent‐reinforced BC/CTS hemostatic dressing, especially PS/BC/CTS showed a significant hemostatic plug formation. This study suggests that the high positive charge and porosity give to these hemostatic agents reinforced hemostatic dressings the ability to rapidly swell and to promote the accumulation of red blood cells and platelets through electrostatic interactions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1573–1585, 2017.
Influence of zeolite shape and particle size on their capacity to adsorb uremic toxin as powders and as fillers in membranes
Authors: Lu Limin , Chen Chen , Samarasekera Champika , Yeow John T. W.
Published: April 2016

Membranes with zeolites are promising for performing blood dialysis because zeolites can eliminate uremic toxins through molecular sieving. Although the size and the shape of zeolite particles can potentially influence the performance of the membranes with respect of creatinine uptake level, it is not clear what sizes and shapes lead to better performance. In this paper, we carry out experiments to answer this question. Spherical microparticle 840, spherical nanoparticle P‐87 and rod‐like nanoparticle P‐371 zeolites were chosen to be used in all the experiments. Their creatinine uptake levels were first measured as powders in creatinine solutions with different concentrations, volumes and adsorption times. Then, nanofibrous membranes with zeolites were electrospun and their ability to adsorb creatinine was measured and compared against their respective powders' creatinine uptake level. The experiment shows that the zeolites have similar creatinine uptake ability as powders. However, they have significantly different creatinine uptake ability after being incorporated inside the membranes. Spherical microparticle 840 in the membrane presented the best creatinine uptake ability, at 8957 µg g−1, which was half of its powders'. On the other hand, P‐87 presented largely decreased, while P‐371 presented even lower creatinine uptake ability in membranes when compared to respective powders'. The results shows that microparticle and sphere shaped particles perform better inside the membranes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1594–1601, 2017.
A Systematic Review of Efficacy of the Attention Training Technique in Clinical and Nonclinical Samples
Authors: Knowles Mark M. , Foden Philip , El‐Deredy Wael , Wells Adrian
Published: April 2016

Objective

The Attention Training Technique (ATT; Wells, 1990) is a brief metacognitive treatment strategy aimed at remediating self‐focused processing and increasing attention flexibility in psychological disorder.

Method

We systematically reviewed and examined the efficacy of ATT in clinical and nonclinical samples. Scientific databases were searched from 1990 to 2014 and 10 studies (total N = 295) met inclusion criteria. Single‐case data were meta‐analyzed using the improvement rate difference, and standardized between and within‐group effect sizes (ESs) were examined across 4 analogue randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

Single‐case outcomes indicated that ATT yields large ES estimates (pooled ES range: 0.74–1.00) for anxiety and depressive disorders. Standardized ESs across the RCTs indicated that ATT yields greater treatment gains than reference groups across majority outcomes (adjusted Cohen's d range: 0.40–1.23).

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest ATT may be effective in treating anxiety and depressive disorders and help remediate some symptoms of schizophrenia. Although a limited number of studies with small sample sizes warrants caution of interpretation, ATT appears promising and future studies will benefit from adequately powered RCTs.
Optimal combination of FLAIR and T2‐weighted MRI for improved lesion contrast in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gabr Refaat E. , Hasan Khader M. , Haque Muhammad E. , Nelson Flavia M. , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Narayana Ponnada A.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Postacquisition combination of three‐dimensional T2‐weighted (T2w) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images can improve the visualization of brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, an optimal way to combine these images has not been described so far. The main objective of this study is to investigate an optimal combination of T2w and FLAIR to improve the conspicuity of MS lesions.

Materials and Methods

We determined the parameters for a generalized multiplicative image combination which maximize the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) between lesions and normal‐appearing brain tissue through simulations and verified experimentally. MRI data from 11 MS patients acquired at 3 Tesla were retrospectively analyzed using the proposed approach and compared with conventional FLAIR, and to images obtained by direct multiplication of T2w and FLAIR (FLAIR2). Image quality was assessed by region‐of‐interest analysis. In addition, to evaluate the degree of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suppression, CSF‐to‐gray matter (CSF/GM) ratio was calculated. Reduction in global image contrast was assessed by computing the reduction in the contrast of mid‐level intensity values.

Results

An optimal combination was found to be the third order expression: FLAIR3 = FLAIR1.55 × T2w1.45. Compared with FLAIR, the lesion CNR was significantly increased by 1.9× (P < 0.005) and 2.5× (P < 0.001) using FLAIR2 and FLAIR3, respectively. CSF/GM ratio was increased by 1.7× in FLAIR2 (P < 0.001) compared with FLAIR, while it was reduced to 0.7× on FLAIR3 (P < 0.05). The mid‐intensity contrast was preserved on FLAIR2 (P = 0.2), and decreased by 29% on FLAIR3 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These results show that the optimized combination of FLAIR and T2w can improve MS lesion conspicuity. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1293–1300.
Predictors of soft‐tissue complications and deep infection in allograft reconstruction of the proximal tibia
Authors: Lozano‐Calderón Santiago A. , Swaim Sara O. , Federico Amy , Anderson Megan E. , Gebhardt Mark C.
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

Reconstruction of the proximal tibia after wide resection of malignant tumors in the pediatric population is very challenging. Advocates of allograft reconstruction argue as advantages bone preservation, biological reconstruction that facilitates reattachment of the extensor mechanism and other soft‐tissue structures, delay of metallic prosthesis use and preservation of the distal femoral growth plate. However, complications are significant, infection being very common.

Methods

Under IRB‐approved protocol, 32 patients (17 males, 15 females), 13 years old in average (2–20), who underwent 33 allograft reconstructions of the proximal tibia, were evaluated for the occurrence of soft‐tissue complications and/or deep infection (infection affecting the allograft). Potential predictors of soft‐tissue complications and deep infection, categorized as pre‐ and perioperative variables, were analyzed in relation to the risk for developing a soft‐tissue complication or a deep infection.

Results

The prevalence of soft‐tissue complications was 48% (16/33). However, we were not able to identify any significant predictors. The prevalence of deep (allograft) infection was 15% (5/33). Multivariate logistic regression determined higher BMI at the index surgical procedure and lower pre‐operative WBC to be independent predictors of deep infection. For each unit of increase in BMI, the odds of deep infection increased by 40% (OR = 1.40; CI = 1.07–3.06; P < 0.05). For each one unit (1,000) of increase in the pre‐operative white cell‐count, the odds of deep infection decreased by 70% (OR = 0.30; 95%CI = 0.01–0.89; P < 0.05). Four of the five deep infections were in patients with soft‐tissue complications, mainly wound dehiscence. However, wound dehiscence or soft‐tissue complications were not predictive of deep infection.

Conclusion

Soft‐tissue complications are prevalent in allograft reconstruction of the proximal tibia. Prevention is important as these may progress to deep infection. Careful attention to nutritional (BMI) and immunological status may help in patient selection for allograft reconstruction. If allograft reconstruction is opted for, efforts should focus on optimization of these factors as they proved to be independent predictors of subsequent deep infection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:811–817. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of strychnine, brucine, strychnine N‐oxide, and brucine N‐oxide in plasma samples after the oral administration of processed semen strychni extract by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultrasound‐assisted mixed cloud point extraction
Authors: Guo Jun , Meng Hua , Li Huang Huang , Wang Qiao Feng
Published: April 2016

A sensitive and efficient mixed cloud point extraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed for the simultaneous separation and determination of four alkaloids (strychnine, strychnine N‐oxide, brucine, and brucine N‐oxide) in plasma after the oral administration of processed semen strychni extract. Tergitol TMN‐6 and cetyl‐trimethyl ammonium bromide were chosen as the mixed surfactants, and ultrasound was employed to enhance the extraction efficiency. Some important parameters affecting the mixed cloud point extraction efficiency, such as the content of Tergitol TMN‐6 and cetyl‐trimethyl ammonium bromide, pH, salt effect, extraction temperature, and ultrasound time were studied and optimized. Under optimum conditions, the linear range of four alkaloids was from 1.0 to 1000 ng/mL. All correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were higher than 0.9993. The intraday and interday precision were below 8.65% and the limits of detection for the four alkaloids were less than 1.0 ng/mL (S/N = 3).
On a class of Hamiltonian elliptic systems involving unbounded or decaying potentials in dimension two
Authors: Albuquerque Francisco S. B. , do Ó João Marcos , Medeiros Everaldo S.
Published: April 2016

This paper is concerned with the existence of solutions for a class of Hamiltonian elliptic systems with unbounded, singular or decaying radial potentials and nonlinearities having exponential critical growth. The approach relies on an approximation procedure and a version of the Trudinger–Moser inequality.
Sulfonated Polymerized Ionic Liquid Block Copolymers
Authors: Meek Kelly M. , Elabd Yossef A.
Published: April 2016

The successful synthesis of a new diblock copolymer, referred to as sulfonated polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) block copolymer, poly(SS‐Li‐b‐AEBIm‐TFSI), is reported, which contains both sulfonated blocks (sulfonated styrene: SS) and PIL blocks (1‐[(2‐acryloyloxy)ethyl]‐3‐butylimidazolium: AEBIm) with both mobile cations (lithium: Li+) and mobile anions (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: TFSI−). Synthesis consists of polymerization via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer, followed by post‐functionalization reactions to covalently attach the imidazolium cations and sulfonic acid anions to their respective blocks, followed by ion exchange metathesis resulting in mobile Li+ cations and mobile TFSI− anions. Solid‐state films containing 1 m Li‐TFSI salt dissolved in ionic liquid result in an ion conductivity of >1.5 mS cm−1 at 70 °C, where small‐angle X‐ray scattering data indicate a weakly ordered microphase‐separated morphology. These results demonstrate a new ion‐conducting block copolymer containing both mobile cations and mobile anions.

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Metformin induces degradation of cyclin D1 via AMPK/GSK3β axis in ovarian cancer
Authors: Gwak HyeRan , Kim Youngmin , An Haein , Dhanasekaran Danny N. , Song Yong Sang
Published: April 2016

Metformin, which is widely used as an anti‐diabetic drug, reduces cancer related morbidity and mortality. However, the role of metformin in cancer is not fully understood. Here, we first describe that the anti‐cancer effect of metformin is mediated by cyclin D1 deregulation via AMPK/GSK3β axis in ovarian cancer cells. Metformin promoted cytotoxic effects only in the cancer cells irrespective of the p53 status and not in the normal primary‐cultured cells. Metformin induced the G1 cell cycle arrest, in parallel with a decrease in the protein expressions of cyclin D1 without affecting its transcriptional levels. Using a proteasomal inhibitor, we could address that metformin‐induced decrease in cyclin D1 through the ubiquitin/proteasome process. Cyclin D1 degradation by metformin requires the activation of GSK3β, as determined based on the treatment with GSK3β inhibitors. The activation of GSK3β correlated with the inhibitory phosphorylation by Akt as well as p70S6K through AMPK activation in response to metformin. These findings suggested that the anticancer effects of metformin was induced due to cyclin D1 degradation via AMPK/GSK3β signaling axis that involved the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway specifically in ovarian cancer cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A modified method for harvesting thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps in a simple and time‐saving approach
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Youn Seungki , Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Youn Hwan
Published: April 2016

Background

With the increasing popularity of perforator flaps in several fields of reconstructive surgery, there have been many attempts to develop safer and more efficient harvesting methods. In this article, we propose a modified method for harvesting the thoracodorsal perforator (TDAP) flap during lower extremity reconstruction, and compare it with the conventional method.

Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2013, 74 TDAP flaps were used in reconstruction of lower extremity defects. The flaps included a single musculocutaneous perforator, and one artery, and one vein anastomosis were included in the study. Using the modified method for flap harvest, a reliable perforator was found and a cuff of muscle was left around the perforator without intramuscular dissection. The patient group meeting the inclusion criteria of the study comprised 20 females and 54 males ranging from 12 to 93 years of age. The conventional dissection method for harvesting the TDAP flap was used in 47 patients, the modified method in 27 patients. Flap dimensions, donor site closure, pedicle lengths, total operating times, times from skin incision to initiation of microsurgery, and complications of the two harvesting methods were compared.

Results

When the modified method was used, total operating time was reduced from 311 to 272 min (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications related to the flap or the donor site between the two groups.

Conclusions

The modified method of perforator dissection is relatively safe and straightforward. Using it significantly reduces the operating time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:642–646, 2016.
Quantitative Structure‐activity Relationship (QSAR) Models for Docking Score Correction
Authors: Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Yamasaki Satoshi , Yasumatsu Isao , Takeuchi Koh , Kurosawa Takashi , Nakamura Haruki
Published: April 2016

In order to improve docking score correction, we developed several structure‐based quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models by protein‐drug docking simulations and applied these models to public affinity data. The prediction models used descriptor‐based regression, and the compound descriptor was a set of docking scores against multiple (∼600) proteins including nontargets. The binding free energy that corresponded to the docking score was approximated by a weighted average of docking scores for multiple proteins, and we tried linear, weighted linear and polynomial regression models considering the compound similarities. In addition, we tried a combination of these regression models for individual data sets such as IC50, Ki, and %inhibition values. The cross‐validation results showed that the weighted linear model was more accurate than the simple linear regression model. Thus, the QSAR approaches based on the affinity data of public databases should improve docking scores.
Hydroxytyrosol and its complex forms (secoiridoids) modulate aorta and heart proteome in healthy rats: Potential cardio‐protective effects
Authors: Catalán Úrsula , Rubió Laura , López de las Hazas Maria‐Carmen , Herrero Pol , Nadal Pedro , Canela Núria , Pedret Anna , Motilva Maria‐José , Solà Rosa
Published: April 2016

Scope

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is the major phenolic compound in virgin olive oil (VOO) in both free and complex forms (secoiridoids; SEC). Proteomics of cardiovascular tissues such as aorta or heart represents a promising tool to uncover the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds in healthy animals.

Methods and results

Twelve female Wistar rats were separated into three groups: a standard diet and two diets supplemented in phenolic compounds (HT and SEC) adjusted to 5 mg/kg/day during 21 days. Proteomic analyses of aorta and heart tissues were performed by nano‐LC and MS. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to generate interaction networks. HT or SEC modulated aorta and heart proteome compared to the standard diet. The top‐scored networks were related to Cardiovascular System. HT and SEC downregulated proteins related to proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and occlusion of blood vessels in aorta and proteins related to heart failure in heart tissue. SEC showed higher fold change values compared to HT, attributed to higher concentration of HT detected in heart tissue.

Conclusion

Changes at proteomic level in cardiovascular tissues may partially account for the underlying mechanisms of VOO phenols cardiovascular protection being the SEC effects higher than free HT.
Dynamic propagation criteria for catastrophic failure in planar landslides
Authors: Zhang Wangcheng , Wang Dong , Randolph Mark F. , Puzrin Alexander M.
Published: April 2016

Quantitative assessment of the risk of submarine landslides is an essential part of the design process for offshore oil and gas developments in deep water, beyond the continental shelf. Landslides may be triggered by a reduction in shear strength of subsea sediments over a given zone, caused for example by seismic activity. Simple criteria are then needed to identify critical conditions whereby the zone of weakness could grow catastrophically to cause a landslide. A number of such criteria have been developed over the last decade, based either on ideas drawn from fracture mechanics, or considering the equilibrium of the initial weakened zone and adjacent process zones of gradually softening material. Accounting for the history of the weak zone initiation is critical for derivation of reliable propagation criteria, in particular considering dynamic effects arising from accumulating kinetic energy of the failing material, which will allow the failure to propagate from a smaller initial zone of weakened sediments. Criteria are developed here for planar conditions, taking full account of such dynamic effects, which are shown to be capable of reducing the critical length of the softened zone by 20% or more compared with criteria based on static conditions. A numerical approach is used to solve the governing dynamic equations for the sliding material, the results from which justify assumptions that allow analytical criteria to be developed for the case where the initial softening occurs instantaneously. The effect of more gradual softening is also explored. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and thermal characterization of polyester composite containing treated wood flour from Palm oil biomass
Authors: Nabinejad Omid , Sujan D. , Rahman M. E. , Liew Willey Y. H. , Davies Ian J.
Published: April 2016

The effect of water and alkali treatment on the thermal decomposition of oil palm shell (OPS) together with the mechanical performance of polyester composites reinforced with treated OPS has been presented in this work. Treatment of OPS with cold/hot distilled water and cold alkali treatment were found to improve the tensile and flexural strength of the resulting composites although the highest mechanical performance was noted with the use of sonication in hot distilled water. On the other hand, hot alkali treatment was found to produce a composite mechanical performance similar to that of the hot distilled water treatment with sonication. FTIR tests indicated that adsorbed water molecules together with some parts of the hemicellulose and lignin were removed by the treatments. Thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy of the treated OPS with hot alkali (1%–9% concentration) showed that the mechanical performance reach a peak at 7% alkali concentration with a further increase in concentration resulting in a significant lignin mass loss and decrease in mass residue of the OPS. This trend was attributed to the higher alkali concentration removing hemicellulose as a binder for the cellulose and lignin which resulted in debonding between the filler and matrix components of the OPS and hence a deterioration in fiber structure and resulting poor composite mechanical performance. Therefore, it was concluded that the optimum concentration of alkali treatment required for maximum mechanical performance of natural filler reinforced polymer composites can be obtained simply from thermogravimetric analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1200–1211, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Two dibenzo[Def, Mno]chrysene‐based polymeric semiconductors: Surprisingly opposite device performances in field‐effect transistors and solar cells
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Lee Ji Sang , Hong Jisu , Kim Yebyeol , Lee Song Bong , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Kim Yun‐Hi , Park Chan Eon
Published: April 2016

A new series of conjugated polymers containing dibenzo[def, mno]chrysene units were successfully designed and synthesized to investigate their physical properties and device performances in field‐effect transistors and photovoltaic cells. Two polymers, namely poly(4,10‐bithiophene‐6,12‐bis(2‐decyltetradecyloxy)‐dibezo[def, mno]chrysene) (PTTC) and poly(2,2′‐thiophenevinylenthiophene‐4,10‐[6,12‐bis(2‐decyltetradecyloxy)‐dibenzo[def, mno]chrysene]) (PTVTC), exhibited similar light absorption, electrochemical characteristics, and theoretical electronic structures. However, they behaved very differently when used in thin‐film transistors and solar cells. The PTTC polymer with two thiophene groups had better charge transport behavior, whereas the PTVTC polymer with two thiophene units connected by a vinyl group exhibited higher efficiency in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells. These results were discussed in terms of their nanostructural bulk morphologies established from transmission electron microscopy and two‐dimensional grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering analyses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2559–2570
PELICAN: Content evaluation of patient‐centered care for children with asthma based on an online tool
Authors: van Bragt Stephanie , van den Bemt Lisette , Cretier Riet , van Weel Chris , Merkus Peter , Schermer Tjard
Published: April 2016

Background

We assessed the content of an intervention which integrates individual goals in outpatient clinic asthma management (based on self management principles) of children 6–12 years of age.

Methods

This is a content evaluation study and was part of a randomized controlled multicenter trial with 9 months follow‐up in five Dutch outpatient asthma clinics among children with asthma aged 6–12 years. Information on children's individual problems and their level of impairment (as indicated by the Pelican instrument), asthma management goals, and actions (as indicated by written action plans) was collected. Satisfaction of parents, children, and nurses were assessed with questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results

Most frequently identified problems by children (n = 42) were “cough,” “cigarette smoke,” and “shortness of breath.” Eighty‐two percent of items that were selected by children showed room for improvement. About 2–7 actions were formulated and children had an active role in more than 76% of the actions. “Using rescue medication prior to activities/triggers,” and “talk to others about your asthma” were most frequently recommended. Children thought the Pelican instrument was easy (95%) and fun (65%) and both parents and nurses were positive about the incorporation of the program in asthma management. Following barriers were found: (1) only 25% of goals was formulated according to SMART principles; (2) traditional management aspects (such as medication use) are often treated instead of individual problems of children.

Conclusion

Implementation of patient‐centered care based on the Pelican instrument is recommended in specialized care, although more extensive training of nurses in PCC will improve the successful execution of the evaluated treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:993–1003. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gurney Analysis of Porous Shells
Authors: Milne Alec M.
Published: April 2016

There are many application areas, where the ability to accurately predict the speed of expansion of fragments from explosively disseminated porous shells is important. For inert materials this speed in part determines the size of the resulting cloud. For reactive materials this speed in part determines the ability to ignite the material and determines the trade‐off between reactive and inertial fragment effects. Gurney analysis has been used extensively for many years to approximate the speed of fragmenting solid material shells. This work investigates the behavior of HE driven porous shells in spherical and cylindrical geometry and identifies factors to use to multiply solid shell Gurney velocity by to predict the speed of a porous shell.
Microfabrication of FeMnPt films involving magnetic phase change due to structural transformation caused by ion irradiation
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Kasahara Ryosuke , Sasaki Kaori , Ishio Shunji
Published: April 2016

Correlations between crystal structures and magnetic properties of Fe1–xMnx Pt films were studied. The disordered films with x ≥ 0.44 had paramagnetic properties and the ordered films with x ≥ 0.46 had antiferromagnetic properties, viz. a difference of 0.02 in the x ‐value (i.e., 1.0 at%) was found. At x = 0.44 with the ordered structure, the uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy was about 2.1 × 107 erg cm–3. A microfabrication process involving the slight composition difference of 0.02, which results in ferromagnetic–paramagnetic phase change due to the structural transformation caused by ion irradiation, was investigated. Only the area irradiated by Mn ions changed from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
H‐bonding and stacking interactions between chloroquine and temozolomide
Authors: Kasende Okuma Emile , de Paul N. Nziko Vincent , Scheiner Steve
Published: April 2016

The interactions between temozolomide and chloroquine were examined via Dispersion‐Corrected Density Functional Theory and MP2 methods. Chloroquine was considered in both its lowest energy structure and in a local minimum where its aromatic system and secondary amine group are free to interact directly with temozolomide. The accessibility of these two components to intermolecular interaction makes the lowest energy dimer of this local monomer minimum competitive in total energy with that involving chloroquine's most stable monomer geometry. In either case, the most stable heterodimer places the aromatic ring systems of the two molecules parallel and directly above one another in a stacked geometry. Most of the local minima are also characterized by a stacked geometry as well. Comparison between B3LYP and B3LYP‐D binding energies confirms dispersion is a primary factor in stabilizing these structures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iron oxide nanotube film formed on carbon steel for photoelectrochemical water splitting: effect of annealing temperature
Authors: Deng Hongda , Huang Mao‐Chia , Weng Wei‐Heng , Lin Jing‐Chie
Published: April 2016

Carbon steels (CSs) were anodized in an ethylene glycol solution containing 3 vol.% H2O and 0.1 m NH4F to coat with nanotube arrays film. The as anodized nanotube arrays film were annealed in argon atmosphere at various temperatures ranging from 250 to 550 °C for 4 h. The morphology and crystal phases of the film developed after annealing processes were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction. Morphology transforms from nanobube arrays to nanotube bundles at 250 °C, to nanobube bundles with nanoflakes at 350 and 450 °C, to nanotube bundles with nanobelts at 550 °C. Amorphous transformed completely into maghemite at 350 °C and hematite with minor magnetite at 450 and 550 °C. Diffuse reflectance ultraviolet and visible spectra revealed iron oxide nanotube film annealed at 350 °C, or higher than 350 °C behaved tremendous absorbance ability in visible spectra range. Mott–Schottky analysis and linear scan voltammetry were performed in 1 m NaOH to show that iron oxide nanotube film annealed at 450 °C exhibited best charge carrier transfer ability upon illumination and superior photoelectrochemical properties compared with the films annealed at other temperatures. The film annealed at 450 °C displayed the photocurrent density of 0.13 mA cm−2 at 0.2 VAg/AgCl, but the film annealed at other temperatures with the photocurrent densities of lower than 0.05 mA cm−2 at 0.2 VAg/AgCl. The morphology and phase transform of iron oxide nanotube film at different annealing temperature results in the change of their photoelectrochemical properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ternary Reduced Graphene Oxide/g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl Nanocomposites for Controlled Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Selectivity
Authors: Shen Tingting , Lang Di , Cheng Feiyue , Xiang Quanjun
Published: April 2016

The ternary reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl composite photocatalysts were prepared by a combined deposition‐precipitation and in situ photoreduction method. The prepared ternary graphene‐semiconductor‐metal nanocomposite photocatalysts exhibit controlled photocatalytic selectivity and high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) solution under visible‐light irradiation. Significantly, the controlled photocatalytic selectivity of rGO/g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl (GCA) composites towards MO and MB can be modulated by the introduction or elimination of Ag‐AgCl and/or rGO sheets for tuning their surface charges and adsorption properties. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of GCA sample was indeed improved due to the eﬃcient separation of photo‐generated carriers in the GCA composite, which could be attributed to the suitable band gap structure of g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl (CA) and the well electronic mobility of rGO sheets. The proposed mechanism for the controlled visible‐light photocatalytic selectivity and the enhanced photocatalytic activity of GCA composite was further confirmed by the trapping experiments, PL spectroscopy and transient photoelectric current response. This work may provide a new practical insight into the fabrication of innovative photocatalysts with the controlled selectivity and enhanced photocatalytic activity for environmental purification, clear energy production and solar energy conversion.
Highly Efficient Silver Nanoparticles Supported Nanocrystalline Zirconosilicate Catalyst for the Epoxidation and Hydration Reactions
Authors: Sarmah Bhaskar , Srivastava Rajendra , Satpati Biswarup
Published: April 2016

Nanocrystalline zirconosilicate with MFI framework structure was hydrothermally synthesized by the addition of amphiphilic organosilane in the synthesis composition of conventional zirconosilicate. Silver nanoparticles were supported on the surface of nanocrystalline zirconosilicate. Catalyst exhibited exceptional high activity in the epoxidation of olefins. Application of the catalyst was extended in the green catalytic hydration reaction of alkynes and nitriles. Hydration reaction using zirconosilicate does not involve toxic metals or corrosive acidic condition. Bi‐functional nature of the catalyst and optimum polarizability of Zr present in the zeolite matrix are responsible for the high catalytic activity. Recycling and leaching experiments suggest that the catalyst can be reused without significant loss in the activity. Nanocrystalline zirconosilicate offers several attractive features such as sustainable synthetic route, stability, high yields, and recyclability.
Synthesis of Two Diastereomeric C1–C7 Acid Fragments of Amphidinolactone B Using B‐Alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling as the Modular Assembly Step
Authors: Wu Yan‐Dong , Lai Yecai , Dai Wei‐Min
Published: April 2016

The proposed structure of amphidinolactone B has an oxygenated stereogenic center at C6 whose absolute configuration remains unassigned. As part of our total synthesis program, two diastereomeric C1–C7 acid fragments have been synthesized from a common C6,C7‐diol intermediate. The latter was obtained from the two readily available chiral alkenyl/alkyl iodides using the “9‐MeO‐9‐BBN variant” of the B‐alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction under the Pd(OAc)2–Aphos‐Y‐catalyzed reaction conditions (K3PO4⋅3H2O, H2O, THF, r.t., 12 h, 75 %). The C6,C7‐diol was then transformed into two diastereomeric C6,C7‐epoxides through manipulation of the epoxide ring closure process. Finally, the epoxides reacted with dimethylsulfonium methylide (Me2S+CH2–) to form, respectively, the corresponding allylic alcohols with the defined absolute configuration at C6.
Chirality‐Selective Photoluminescence Enhancement of ssDNA‐Wrapped Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Juan , Zhao Qinghua , Lyu Min , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Xiao , Wang Meng , Gao Zhou , Li Yan
Published: April 2016

In this work, a convenient method to enhance the photoluminescence (PL) of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in aqueous solutions is provided. Dispersing by single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) and modifying with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), about tenfold PL enhancement of the SWNTs is observed. More importantly, the selective PL enhancement is achieved for some particular chiralities of interest over all other chiralities, by using certain specific ssDNA sequences that are reported to recognize these particular chiralities. By forming AuNP–DNA–SWNT nanohybrids, ssDNA serves as superior molecular spacers that on one hand protect SWNT from direct contacting with AuNP and causing PL quench, and on the other hand attract the AuNP in close proximity to the SWNT to enhance its PL. This PL enhancement method can be utilized for the PL analysis of SWNTs in aqueous solutions, for biomedical imaging, and may serve as a prescreening method for the recognition and separation of single chirality SWNTs by ssDNA.
Clinical efficacy of a traditional Japanese (kampo) medicine for burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Sakata Ken‐ichiro , Yamazaki Yutaka , Ohga Noritaka , Sato Jun , Asaka Takuya , Yoshikawa Kazuhito , Nakazawa Seitaro , Sato Chiharu , Nakamura Yusuke , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: April 2016

Aim

At Hokkaido University Hospital, selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine re‐uptake inhibitors (SNRI) are the first‐line medications for burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Occasionally, when standard SSRI/SNRI are deemed inappropriate because of certain side‐effects, treatment incompatibility, age concerns, or doctor discretion, a kampo medicine called rikkosan can be used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rikkosan for BMS.

Methods

This retrospective study included 48 patients (four men, 44 women; mean age, 70 years) who were diagnosed with BMS in the present department between 2006 and 2014. Only patients who received rikkosan (7.5 g/day) for >4 weeks were included. Patients who were taking other medicines for BMS were excluded. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale.

Results

Improvement was seen in 54% of patients (26/48).

Conclusion

Rikkosan is an effective alternative treatment for BMS.
Recent progresses in incorporating human land–water management into global land surface models toward their integration into Earth system models
Authors: Pokhrel Yadu N. , Hanasaki Naota , Wada Yoshihide , Kim Hyungjun
Published: April 2016

The global water cycle has been profoundly affected by human land–water management. As the changes in the water cycle on land can affect the functioning of a wide range of biophysical and biogeochemical processes of the Earth system, it is essential to represent human land–water management in Earth system models (ESMs). During the recent past, noteworthy progress has been made in large‐scale modeling of human impacts on the water cycle but sufficient advancements have not yet been made in integrating the newly developed schemes intoESMs. This study reviews the progresses made in incorporating human factors in large‐scale hydrological models and their integration intoESMs. The study focuses primarily on the recent advancements and existing challenges in incorporating human impacts in global land surface models (LSMs) as a way forward to the development ofESMswith humans as integral components, but a brief review of global hydrological models (GHMs) is also provided. The study begins with the general overview of human impacts on the water cycle. Then, the algorithms currently employed to represent irrigation, reservoir operation, and groundwater pumping are discussed. Next, methodological deficiencies in current modeling approaches and existing challenges are identified. Furthermore, light is shed on the sources of uncertainties associated with model parameterizations, grid resolution, and datasets used for forcing and validation. Finally, representing human land–water management inLSMsis highlighted as an important research direction toward developing integrated models usingESMframeworks for the holistic study of human–water interactions within the Earths system.WIREs Water2016, 3:548–574. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1150

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Using nanobiotechnology to increase the prevalence of epigenotyping assays in precision medicine
Authors: Heimer Brandon W. , Tam Brooke E. , Minkovsky Alissa , Sikes Hadley D.
Published: April 2016

Epigenetic silencing of genes that are important for DNA repair, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix has been causally linked to several subtypes of cancer. Translating this knowledge of the implications of promoter methylation to wide and routine use in clinical pathology laboratories has been more challenging than the case of genetic analyses because epigenetic modifications do not change the underlying sequence of the affected nucleic acid, rendering polymerase chain reaction analysis alone uninformative. Two epigenotyping assays that detect promoter methylation are currently standard of care in treatment of two distinct tumor types in only a few top hospitals across the United States. Both rely on a harsh chemical step that degrades over 90% of tumor DNA samples, which are often available in limited quantities, and imparts the potential for false‐negative or false‐positive results if the reaction conditions are not exactly correct. Using nanotechnology and biotechnology to devise practical new analysis techniques that avoid the drawbacks of current techniques represents a powerful approach that is likely to significantly increase the clinical use of this class of biomarkers in the coming years. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1407. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1407

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Parental informal payments in Kyrgyzstani schools: Analyzing the strongest and the weakest link
Authors: Ruiz Ramas Rubén
Published: April 2016

This paper aims to explain why parental informal payments emerge and then spread in different manners in Kyrgyzstani schools and to examine their interaction as informal institutions with the school as a formal one. It is argued that the main reason behind informal payments is the survival of the schools; parents’ acceptance of them was a result of necessity. In a small percentage of experiences where marketization of public schools was successful, there was a socioeconomic segregation of pupils, advancing toward a de facto privatization of public schools. Then, while the key logic behind informal payments was the upgrading or elitization of schools, the nature of the engagement of givers and receivers was by choice rather than by necessity. Finally, following Helmke and Levitsky (2004), I link the survival strategy to a substitutive relationship to formal public school outcomes, and to the elitization strategy, a competing nature with the formal logic of Kyrgyzstani basic education. Special attention is given to the social function approach toward informal economy practices, and to the significance of social stratification on how those informal practices work. The paper focuses on the comparison of informal payments in two schools representing the two strategies previously described: an elitnaya school from the center of Bishkek, the 13th Gymnasium School; and the conventional 21st Middle School in the novostroika (new settlement) of Enesay, the capital's periphery. The fieldwork of this research was developed in two stays during the months of July/August and October/November in 2011.
Advent of a new civilization project: Eurasia in – U.S. out?
Authors: Eremina Natalia
Published: April 2016

International relations present the picture of integration and disintegration processes in vast territories stimulating different types of states’ unions that have become the key points of international relations. Therefore the bulk of questions should be referred to the relationships between the states and the territory. This approach creates a geopolitical paradox revealing that the states’ positions depend exactly on the territory and their geographical disposition, for instance, on distance from each other. So, the idea of shared territory and history allowed many European states to build up the European Union (EU). And now we are witnessing the same integration processes in the territory of ex-the USSR (Eurasian Economic Union), which is open for huge international actors like China, India and so on. It is of crucial importance to notify that these two international integration projects are in the territory of Eurasia. At the same time the majority of the EU member states are also connected with or even integrated into another international organization – NATO – with the United States (US) as the head and leader. It makes a clear division between the Atlantic macro-region and the Pacific macro-region underlying the role of the US in the contemporary international system. This role is unique but often hasty and irresponsible. Observation of the US's foreign politics through a geographical approach gives a perfect explanation of that. The US is simply geographically remote (despite the jet planes) from these two integration unions (from Eurasia) that allows them to feel the hegemon and influence the international processes there being at a distance. Therefore the main question nowadays is if the US can sustain their world leadership they have been claiming for, and that is what we aim to address in this article.
Profiling and Validation of the Circular RNA Repertoire in Adult Murine Hearts
Authors: Jakobi Tobias , Czaja-Hasse Lisa F. , Reinhardt Richard , Dieterich Christoph
Published: April 2016

For several decades, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death throughout all countries. There is a strong genetic component to many disease subtypes (e.g., cardiomyopathy) and we are just beginning to understand the relevant genetic factors. Several studies have related RNA splicing to cardiovascular disease and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are an emerging player. circRNAs, which originate through back-splicing events from primary transcripts, are resistant to exonucleases and typically not polyadenylated. Initial functional studies show clear phenotypic outcomes for selected circRNAs. We provide, for the first time, a comprehensive catalogue of RNase R-resistant circRNA species for the adult murine heart. This work combines state-of-the-art circle sequencing with our novel DCC software to explore the circRNA landscape of heart tissue. Overall, we identified 575 circRNA species that pass a beta-binomial test for enrichment (false discovery rate of 1%) in the exonuclease-treated sequencing sample. Several circRNAs can be directly attributed to host genes that have been previously described as associated with cardiovascular disease. Further studies of these candidate circRNAs may reveal disease-relevant properties or functions of specific circRNAs.
Up-Regulation of Long Non-Coding RNA TUG1 in Hibernating Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels
Authors: Frigault Jacques J. , Lang-Ouellette Daneck , Morin Pier Jr.
Published: April 2016

Mammalian hibernation is associated with multiple physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes that allow animals to endure colder temperatures. We hypothesize that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a group of non-coding transcripts with diverse functions, are differentially expressed during hibernation. In this study, expression levels of lncRNAsH19 and TUG1 were assessed via qRT-PCR in liver, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues of the hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). TUG1 transcript levels were significantly elevated 1.94-fold in skeletal muscle of hibernating animals when compared with euthermic animals. Furthermore, transcript levels of HSF2 also increased 2.44-fold in the skeletal muscle in hibernating animals. HSF2 encodes a transcription factor that can be negatively regulated by TUG1 levels and that influences heat shock protein expression. Thus, these observations support the differential expression of the TUG1–HSF2 axis during hibernation. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence for differential expression of lncRNAs in torpid ground squirrels, adding lncRNAs as another group of transcripts modulated in this mammalian species during hibernation.