bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate warming and changes in Cyclotella sensu lato in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Reavie Euan D. , Sgro Gerald V. , Estepp Lisa R. , Bramburger Andrew J. , Shaw Chraïbi Victoria L. , Pillsbury Robert W. , Cai Meijun , Stow Craig A. , Dove Alice
Published: December 2016

We present the first evidence of biological change in all of the pelagic Laurentian Great Lakes associated with recent climatic warming. We hypothesized that measured changes in lake temperature, and the resulting physical changes to water columns, were affecting diatom communities in the Great Lakes. A paleolimnological analysis of 10 sediment cores collected from deep locations throughout the Great Lakes basin indicates a recent (30–50 yr) reorganization of the diatom community to one characterized by elevated abundances of several species from the group Cyclotella sensu lato, coinciding with rising atmospheric and water temperatures. These Cyclotella increases are a probable mechanistic result of new physical regimes such as changing stratification depths and longer ice‐free periods, and possibly water quality shifts. Efforts to understand the mechanisms of these changes are ongoing, but this compositional reorganization in primary producers could have important implications to Great Lakes food webs.
What is quality of life and how do we measure it? Relevance to Parkinson's disease and movement disorders
Authors: Martinez‐Martin Pablo
Published: December 2016

Health‐related quality of life is a patient‐reported outcome that complements clinical evaluation and provides information about disease activity and effects of the treatment. The objective of this review is to present the conceptual framework, the measures, and some of their most relevant applications in the field of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. Health‐related quality of life is a subjective, individual, and multidimensional construct, and its main dimensions are physical, mental, and social, besides global perceptions of health and personal domains. Health‐related quality of life measurement is carried out by means of questionnaires or scales, ideally self‐applied by patients, and has a diversity of important applications for clinical practice, research, and health policy. Movement disorders and Parkinson's disease are complex conditions impacting all components of patients' health‐related quality of life. The use of health‐related quality of life tools provides important information on a variety of aspects that are important to patients while complementing clinical evaluations. In particular, studies using this kind of assessment can identify and monitor the most important health‐related quality of life determinant factors, allowing tailored assistance and prioritized interventions. In addition, maintaining or improving the patients' health‐related quality of life is an objective of care for chronic diseases and, therefore, it has to be monitored over time and as an outcome of clinical trials. Several methods are available for the interpretation of the change in scores of health‐related quality of life measures, although a definitive agreement on the most appropriate method is yet to be determined. Presently, health‐related quality of life assessment is an important outcome for research and management of chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Changes in resting‐state connectivity in musicians with embouchure dystonia
Authors: Haslinger Bernhard , Noé Jonas , Altenmüller Eckart , Riedl Valentin , Zimmer Claus , Mantel Tobias , Dresel Christian
Published: December 2016

Objective: Embouchure dystonia is a highly disabling task‐specific dystonia in professional brass musicians leading to spasms of perioral muscles while playing the instrument. As they are asymptomatic at rest, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging in these patients can reveal changes in functional connectivity within and between brain networks independent from dystonic symptoms.

Methods: We therefore compared embouchure dystonia patients to healthy musicians with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging in combination with independent component analyses.

Results: Patients showed increased functional connectivity of the bilateral sensorimotor mouth area and right secondary somatosensory cortex, but reduced functional connectivity of the bilateral sensorimotor hand representation, left inferior parietal cortex, and mesial premotor cortex within the lateral motor function network. Within the auditory function network, the functional connectivity of bilateral secondary auditory cortices, right posterior parietal cortex and left sensorimotor hand area was increased, the functional connectivity of right primary auditory cortex, right secondary somatosensory cortex, right sensorimotor mouth representation, bilateral thalamus, and anterior cingulate cortex was reduced. Negative functional connectivity between the cerebellar and lateral motor function network and positive functional connectivity between the cerebellar and primary visual network were reduced.

Conclusions: Abnormal resting‐state functional connectivity of sensorimotor representations of affected and unaffected body parts suggests a pathophysiological predisposition for abnormal sensorimotor and audiomotor integration in embouchure dystonia. Altered connectivity to the cerebellar network highlights the important role of the cerebellum in this disease. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Family PArtners in Lifestyle Support (PALS): Family‐based weight loss for African American adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Samuel‐Hodge Carmen D. , Holder‐Cooper Judith C. , Gizlice Ziya , Davis Gwendolyn , Steele Sonia P. , Keyserling Thomas C. , Kumanyika Shiriki K. , Brantley Phillip J. , Svetkey Laura P.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To develop and test a family‐centered behavioral weight loss intervention for African American adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this randomized trial, dyads consisting of an African American adult with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes (index participant) paired with a family partner with overweight or obesity but not diagnosed with diabetes were assigned in a 2:1 ratio to a 20‐week special intervention (SI) or delayed intervention (DI) control group. The primary outcome was weight loss among index participants at the 20‐week follow‐up.

Results

One hundred eight participants (54 dyads—36 (SI) and 18 (DI) dyads) were enrolled: 81% females; mean age, 51 years; mean weight,103 kg; and mean BMI, 37 kg/m2. At post‐intervention, 96 participants (89%) returned for follow‐up measures. Among index participants, mean difference in weight loss between groups was −5.0 kg, P <0.0001 (−3.6 kg loss among SI; 1.4 kg gain in DI). SI index participants showed significantly greater improvements in hemoglobin A1c, depressive symptoms, family interactions, and dietary, physical activity, and diabetes self‐care behaviors. SI family partners also had significant weight loss (−3.9 kg (SI) vs. −1.0 kg (DI), P = 0.02).

Conclusions

A family‐centered, behavioral weight loss intervention led to clinically significant short‐term weight loss among family dyads.
Linear optimal filter for system subject to random delay and packet dropout
Authors: Liang Xiao , Zhang Huanshui
Published: December 2016

This note is concerned with the linear estimation problems for discrete‐time systems where the measurements are subject to random time delay and packet dropout. Different from most of previous works, the time‐stamping is assumed to be unavailable in this paper. In this case, the estimation problems for such systems are very difficult because the information of the received measurements is not exactly known in most cases. To overcome the difficulty caused by the random delay and unavailability of time‐stamping, a new observation is introduced by the summation of all the measurements received in the same time. Then, the random time delay measurement system is converted into a constant‐delay measurement system with multiplicative noises where the noise is binary distributed random variables with known distributions. Finally, the linear optimal estimator is derived by using the transformation of auto‐regressive moving average model to state‐space model and the standard Kalman filtering. The convergence and stability of the filter are also analyzed. A simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed estimator. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPLC‐UV and LC–MS Analyses of Acylquinic Acids in Geigeria alata (DC) Oliv. & Hiern. and their Contribution to Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Capacity
Authors: Zheleva‐Dimitrova Dimitrina , Gevrenova Reneta , Zaharieva Maya M. , Najdenski Hristo , Ruseva Silviya , Lozanov Valentin , Balabanova Vessela , Yagi Sakina , Momekov Georgi , Mitev Vanio
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Geigeria alata is a traditional plant used in Sudanese folk medicine for treatment of diabetes, cough, epilepsy and intestinal complaints.

Objective

To analyze phenolic acids in Geigeria alata roots and leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Methodology

Phenolic acids in the aqueous‐methanol extracts were identified by LC–MS. Major compounds were isolated using low‐pressure liquid chromatography. The quantitative analysis of phenolic acids was performed by a validated HPLC‐UV method with limits of detection ranging from 0.04 to 0.57 μg/mL. 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazine‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were used for antioxidant activity evaluation. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal concentration against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were determined by the broth microdilution test.

Results

For the first time protocatechuic, caffeic, p‐coumaroylquinic, caffeoylsinapoylquinic, caffeoylferuloylquinic, three feruloylquinic, six caffeoylquinic acids, and a caffeic acid hexoside were detected in Geigeria alata roots by LC–MS. HPLC‐UV analyses showed that 3,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (25.96 ± 2.08 mg/g dry weight (DW)) was the most abundant phenolic acid in roots, while 4,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (8.99 ± 0.56 mg/g DW) was the main compound present in leaves. 3,5‐Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated stronger radical scavenging activity and reducing power compared with the crude extracts and the positive control 5‐caffeoylquinic acid. 3,4,5‐Tricaffeoylquinic acid revealed the highest antibacterial potential against the penicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, as well as methicillin‐resistant S. aureus.

Conclusion

The caffeoylquinic acids content of up to 6.22% in Geigeria alata roots establishes this species as a new source rich in these bioactive molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances in covalent functionalization of carbon nanomaterials with polymers: Strategies and perspectives
Authors: Liu Jingwei , Ye Yunsheng , Xue Yang , Xie Xiaolin , Mai Yiu‐Wing
Published: November 2016

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have been proposed as promising nanofillers for polymer composites because of their high surface area, structural flexibility, good mechanical strength, and their unique thermal, optical, and electronic properties. However, the strong van der Waals interactions between individual nanoparticles have limited the manipulation of CNMs and restricted their use in many promising fields. The functionalization of CNMs has attracted great interest on synthesis of complex structures, and helped establish different facile, scalable, controllable and low‐cost methods to graft well‐defined polymers onto the surfaces of CNMs. This review highlights the advances made in recent years on the functionalization chemistry of carbon nanotubes and graphene with polymers by both the “grafting from” and “grafting to” techniques. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 622–631
Material conversion of GaAs nanowires
Authors: Nishioka Kohei , Suzuki Hidetoshi , Sakai Kentaro , Ishikawa Fumitaro
Published: December 2016

We investigate material conversion of compound semiconductor GaAs nanowires to extend their functions. By heating the GaAs nanowires in indium melt, the indium was introduced into the GaAs nanowire, converting the nanowires to be InGaAs compounds. The further heating treatment in N2 ambient progresses the diffusion of Si element from the substrate, eventually forming the indium–silicide compound nanowires. The results suggest the conversion technique possibly extend the functions of the nanowire system by the exchange, introduction, or integrations of various materials.
Mixed H2/H∞ control of synchronization for coupled partial differential systems
Authors: Wu Kai‐Ning , Wang Jian
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we address the mixed H2/H∞ synchronization control for the coupled partial differential systems. First, we introduce the synchronization error dynamics and transform the problem of mixed H2/H∞ synchronization control of coupled partial differential systems into the problem of mixed H2/H∞ stabilization of the synchronization error dynamics. Then, both the finite and infinite horizon cases for the mixed H2/H∞ synchronization control are considered. Sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence of the solutions to the mixed H2/H∞ synchronization control problem are given via a standard completing square technique. When the states of the synchronization error systems are unavailable, the Lunberger observer is designed, and the observer‐based mixed H2/H∞ synchronization problem is investigated. Based on the solutions to the coupled differential Riccati equations, the optimal control for the observer‐based mixed H2/H∞ synchronization control is presented. One more time, both the finite and infinite horizon cases are studied under the observer situation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pleiotropic Role of Recombinant Silaffin‐Like Cationic Polypeptide P5S3: Peptide‐Induced Silicic Acid Stabilization, Silica Formation and Inhibition of Silica Dissolution
Authors: Spinthaki Argyro , Zerfaß Christian , Paulsen Harald , Hobe Stephan , Demadis Konstantinos D.
Published: November 2016

Silica‐mineralizing organisms such as diatoms manage several aspects of silica chemistry when polymerizing monomeric silicic acid into amorphous silica. Silicic acid is undersaturated in the diatoms’ habitats and mechanisms of enrichment and prevention of uncontrolled mineralization are not well understood. Diatom‐biosilica is associated with organic compounds, including polycationic, post‐translationally modified peptides termed silaffins, which induce the condensation of silicic acid under supersaturated conditions. Here, we report the pleiotropic action of the designed silaffin‐like peptide P5S3, which (i) stabilizes 4–8x silicic acid (in supersaturated conditions of 8.3 mm), (ii) decelerates silica hydrolysis in non‐saturated conditions (1 mm) and (iii) enhances silica precipitation at 15–30x supersaturation (30 mm), forming a composite precipitate. Abundant cationic amino acids in P5S3 can interact with silica, though blocking experiments with selected anions also indicate a role of non‐electrostatic (e. g. amide‐silica) interactions. This shows how silaffin‐like peptides could potentially contribute to both keeping silica soluble, and forming peptide‐silica precipitates.
Syntheses and Structural Analyses of New 3D Isostructural Zn(II) and Cd(II) Luminescent MOFs and their Application Towards Detection of Nitroaromatics in Aqueous Media
Authors: Parmar Bhavesh , Rachuri Yadagiri , Bisht Kamal Kumar , Suresh Eringathodi
Published: December 2016

Two new isostructural luminescent metal‐organic frameworks (LMOFs); {[M(BDC)(L)].xG}n, comprising Zn2+ (1) or Cd2+ (2) nodes, 4‐pyridyl carboxaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone (L), Benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) and lattice guests (G) have been synthesized by diffusion, conventional and mechanochemical routes and thoroughly characterized. Single crystal structural analysis revealed doubly interpenetrating double pillared primitive cubic unit (pcu) structures with significant stability at ambient conditions and in water for 1 and 2. Moreover, both structures showed good luminescent properties which are exploited for detection of nitro analytes. Fluorescence quenching experiments performed for a large pool of aromatic and aliphatic nitroanalytes showed that 1 and 2 selectively detect Trinitrophenol (TNP) in aqueous phase. The linear fitting of the SV plots for TNP offered quenching constants of 1.16 × 104 M−1 and 1.35 × 104 M−1 for 1 and 2 respectively indicating the high sensitivity of the sensing process. Remarkable sensitivity of synthesized materials towards aqueous phase TNP detection were further endorsed by the detection limits of 82 ppb (0.36 μM) and 33 ppb (0.15 μM) in case of 1 and 2 respectively. Thus, these new LMOFs owing to their high water stability and remarkable functional features are potential candidates which can be developed into selective and sensitive TNP detection devices.
Room Temperature Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Morphological Evaluation and Their Catalytic Applications for Degradation of Dyes and C–N Bond Formation Reaction
Authors: Bhosale Manohar A. , Karekar Supriya C. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: December 2016

Synthesis of copper oxide (Cu2O and CuO) nanoparticles in different morphologies by a facile and cost effective method has been developed at room temperature. The effect of various copper precursors on the morphology of Cu2O nanoparticles has been addressed and achieved the 100 % uniform cubic morphology of Cu2O nanoparticles. The effect of different capping agents and bases also examined and selectively achieved rod, wire, belt like morphologies of CuO nanoparticles. The each capping agent plays the important role and responsible in building the morphology of copper oxide nanoparticles. Notably the synthesis procedure is simple, faster, economical and energy efficient as compared to the other existing methods with selectivity in morphology of copper oxide nanoparticles. In addition, we have shown the catalytic applications of synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles for the degradation of various dyes like methylene blue, methyl red and crystal violet and also as an efficient catalyst for C–N bond formation coupling reaction.
Use of cardanol derivatives as plasticizers for PVC
Authors: Greco Antonio , Ferrari Francesca , Del Sole Roberta , Maffezzoli Alfonso
Published: November 2016

This work is aimed to study the suitability of cardanol derivatives as plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride), (PVC). The plasticizers are obtained by chemical modification of cardanol, a natural, renewable resource, obtained as a by‐product of the cashew nut shell industry. Due to the choice of environmentally friendly chemical modification routes, partial conversion of cardanol to the target compounds was obtained. Consequently, the tested plasticizers were composed of a mixture of different cardanol derivatives. Rheological tests on PVC plastisols obtained with neat cardanol showed that cardanol must be subjected to chemical modifications, such as acetylation and epoxidation, in order to perform as an effective plasticizer. In particular, only after epoxidation, does the cardanol derivative become fully soluble in PVC. PVC plastisols obtained with such cardanol derivatives present a similar gelation temperature compared to bis (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) based plastisols. Mechanical properties of the flexible PVC produced by the addition of cardanol derived plasticizer after epoxidation are also comparable to those attained by the use of DEHP. Nevertheless ageing tests showed an accelerated migration of cardanol derived plasticizer, attributed to the loss of unreacted cardanol present in the plasticizer, which was in turn responsible for a significantly faster degradation of the properties, compared to flexible PVC containing DEHP. This highlights the relevance of achieving a high yield of the acetylation and epoxidation reactions, which is a relevant issue of the future research and development activities in this field. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E62–E70, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of organopalygorskite on intumescent flame‐retarded polypropylene
Authors: Zhou Pengxin , Huang Li , Ma Delong , Zhang Zhe , Huo Shuhui , Wang Lei , Lei Ziqiang
Published: December 2016

The effect of organopalygorskite (OPGS) on an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) low‐density polypropylene (PP) has been investigated using the limited oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of the LOI and UL‐94 tests indicate that the addition of OPGS substantially increases the LOI value for PP/IFR at a OPGS to IRF mass ratio of 2/28 with 30 wt% of total flame retardant. In addition, the samples pass the V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 tests. The results indicate that the addition of 2.0 wt% of OPGS simultaneously increases the tensile strength and bending strength of PP/IFR. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:281–287, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Socio‐hydrology and hydrosocial analysis: toward dialogues across disciplines
Authors: Wesselink Anna , Kooy Michelle , Warner Jeroen
Published: November 2016

In this study, we review the ways in which water has recently been conceptualized by both natural and social scientists as either hydro‐social or socio‐hydrological. We do this in order to discuss whether and how they can be compatible, in order to enable dialogue across disciplines that seek to address the ecological and social challenges related to the complex human/water interactions. Through our review, we document the emergence of these specific terminologies, identify how these terms—and the conceptualizations they represent—relate to each other, and suggest what opportunities there are for building further interdisciplinary approaches to understanding water and society. Specifically, we review the recent rise in socio‐hydrology amongst natural scientists/hydrologists to put this in discussion with a much longer tradition in social sciences of seeing water as both natural and social. We identify what the paradigms are in both conceptualizations in order to assess what their respective focus is, and what they omit. Our purpose is not to judge competing claims. Rather we want to assess the knowledge claims made in both paradigms: what can we learn when we employ these different approaches, what different rationales for action do they suggest, and what scope exists for collaboration. We conclude that there is scope in combining both approaches without a need to antagonistically question their respective fundamental assumptions, and playing to the strengths of each: the rich case study narratives produced by hydrosocial research can be the basis for the conceptual and quantitative modeling of socio‐hydrology.WIREs Water2017, 4:e1196. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1196

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Human Water > Water Governance
Are China's climate commitments in a post‐Paris agreement sufficiently ambitious?
Authors: Zhang ZhongXiang
Published: December 2016

In international climate change negotiations, China's role is an issue of perennial concern. In particular, the lack of quantitative, absolute emissions commitments from China has often been the focus of this concern. In line with changing domestic and international contexts, China is recalibrating its stance and strategy. Its participation in international climate change negotiations has evolved from playing a peripheral role to gradually moving to the center. This article examines China's stance and role in international climate change negotiations from a historical perspective. In so doing, the article discusses the evolution of international climate negotiations and China's stance in the lead‐up to and at the Paris conference. With Paris behind us, the focus is now turning to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The article discusses post‐Paris focuses, generally in the international context and in particular in China's context. They both affect the outcomes of post Paris subsequent negotiations and hold the key to actually achieving desired outcomes. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e443. doi: 10.1002/wcc.443

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > International Policy Framework
Recent advances in aliphatic polyesters for drug delivery applications
Authors: Washington Katherine E. , Kularatne Ruvanthi N. , Karmegam Vasanthy , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: December 2016

The use of aliphatic polyesters in drug delivery applications has been a field of significant interest spanning decades. Drug delivery strategies have made abundant use of polyesters in their structures owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. The properties afforded from these materials provide many avenues for the tunability of drug delivery systems to suit individual needs of diverse applications. Polyesters can be formed in several different ways, but the most prevalent is the ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters. When used to form amphiphilic block copolymers, these materials can be utilized to form various drug carriers such as nanoparticles, micelles, and polymersomes. These drug delivery systems can be tailored through the addition of targeting moieties and the addition of stimuli‐responsive groups into the polymer chains. There are also different types of polyesters that can be used to modify the degradation rates or mechanical properties. Here, we discuss the reasons that polyesters have become so popular, the current research focuses, and what the future holds for these materials in drug delivery applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1446. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1446

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Phase II trial of S-1 plus leucovorin in patients with advanced gastric cancer and clinical prediction by S-1 pharmacogenetic pathway
Authors: He Ming-ming , Zhang Dong-sheng , Wang Feng , Wang Zi-xian , Yuan Shu-qiang , Wang Zhi-qiang , Luo Hui-yan , Ren Chao , Qiu Miao-zhen , Jin Ying , Wang De-shen , Chen Dong-liang , Zeng Zhao-lei , Li Yu-hong , He Yang-yang , Hao Yuan-tao , Guo Pi , Wang Feng-hua , Zeng Yi-xin , Xu Rui-hua
Published: December 2016

Background

The first one-arm phase II trial aimed to evaluate and predict efficacy and safety of S-1 plus oral leucovorin (S-1/LV) as first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC), using S-1 pharmacogenetic pathway approach.

Patients and methods

A total of 39 patients orally took S-1 at conventional dose and LV simultaneously at a dose of 25 mg twice daily for a week, within a 2-week cycle. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), while the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), time to failure (TTF), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs). Peripheral blood was sampled prospectively for baseline expression of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), and thymidylate synthase (TS), CYP2A6 gene polymorphisms, and 5-FU pharmacokinetics.

Results

The ORR and DCR were 41.0 and 76.9%. The median PFS, TTF, and OS were 4.13, 3.70, and 11.40 months. Grade 3–4 AEs occurred in only 13 patients, and grade 4 AEs occurred in only 1 of them. High OPRT/TS and peritoneal metastasis (vs. liver metastasis) independently predicted responding. High OPRT/DPD independently predicted grade 3–4 AEs. High AUC0–24h of 5-FU and metastatic/recurrent sites ≤2 (vs. >3) independently predicted prolonged PFS. Low baseline plasmic DPD independently predicted prolonged OS.

Conclusions

Two-week, oral S-1/LV regimen demonstrated promising efficacy and safety as first-line chemotherapy for AGC.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT02090153
Semi-industrial scale (30 m3) fed-batch fermentation for the production of d-lactate by Escherichia coli strain HBUT-D15
Authors: Fu Xiangmin , Wang Yongze , Wang Jinhua , Garza Erin , Manow Ryan , Zhou Shengde
Published: November 2016

d(−)-lactic acid is needed for manufacturing of stereo-complex poly-lactic acid polymer. Large scale d-lactic acid fermentation, however, has yet to be demonstrated. A genetically engineered Escherichia coli strain, HBUT-D, was adaptively evolved in a 15% calcium lactate medium for improved lactate tolerance. The resulting strain, HBUT-D15, was tested at a lab scale (7 L) by fed-batch fermentation with up to 200 g L−1 of glucose, producing 184–191 g L−1 of d-lactic acid, with a volumetric productivity of 4.38 g L−1 h−1, a yield of 92%, and an optical purity of 99.9%. The HBUT-D15 was then evaluated at a semi-industrial scale (30 m3) via fed-batch fermentation with up to 160 g L−1 of glucose, producing 146–150 g L−1 of d-lactic acid, with a volumetric productivity of 3.95–4.29 g L−1 h−1, a yield of 91–94%, and an optical purity of 99.8%. These results are comparable to that of current industrial scale l(+)-lactic acid fermentation.
l‐Carnitine/Simvastatin Reduces Lipoprotein (a) Levels Compared with Simvastatin Monotherapy: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Florentin M. , Elisaf M. S. , Rizos C. V. , Nikolaou V. , Bilianou E. , Pitsavos C. , Liberopoulos E. N.
Published: December 2016

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. There are currently limited therapeutic options to lower Lp(a) levels. l‐Carnitine has been reported to reduce Lp(a) levels. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of l‐carnitine/simvastatin co‐administration with that of simvastatin monotherapy on Lp(a) levels in subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia and elevated Lp(a) concentration. Subjects with levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) >160 mg/dL, triacylglycerol (TAG) >150 mg/dL and Lp(a) >20 mg/dL were included in this study. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive l‐carnitine 2 g/day plus simvastatin 20 mg/day (N = 29) or placebo plus simvastatin 20 mg/day (N = 29) for a total of 12 weeks. Lp(a) was significantly reduced in the l‐carnitine/simvastatin group [−19.4%, from 52 (20–171) to 42 (15–102) mg/dL; p = 0.01], but not in the placebo/simvastatin group [−6.7%, from 56 (26–108) to 52 (27–93) mg/dL, p = NS versus baseline and p = 0.016 for the comparison between groups]. Similar significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL‐C, apolipoprotein (apo) B and TAG were observed in both groups. Co‐administration of l‐carnitine with simvastatin was associated with a significant, albeit modest, reduction in Lp(a) compared with simvastatin monotherapy in subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia and elevated baseline Lp(a) levels.
Factors associated with learning management in Mexican micro-entrepreneurs
Authors: Mungaray Lagarda Alejandro , Feitó Madrigal Duniesky , Texis Flores Michelle
Published: December 2016

The learning capacity of social based Mexican micro-entrepreneurs to generate new knowledge and incorporate it to its products and services is evaluated. The above is done through a confirmatory factor analysis and structural linear equation system, and the presence of static and dynamic dimensions in learning capacity, which are represented by individual stocks and flows of knowledge. The positive relationship between them demonstrates the presence of learning processes that impact positively their economic performance.
The impact of identity breadth on consumer preference for advanced products
Authors: Ding Ying , Wan Echo Wen , Xu Jing
Published: December 2016

Prior research documents that individuals may categorize themselves along a hierarchy of social identities and that their subsequent behavior is guided by whichever identity is salient at the moment. The current research investigates how activating one's social identity at different breadth levels influences consumers' subjective knowledge and the consequences for product choice. We propose and document that consumers will perceive that they have greater knowledge and thus prefer more advanced product options when their broad identity rather than narrow identity is salient (experiment 1). We also rule out simple categorization mindset and construal level as the alternative explanations of the identity breadth effect (experiments 2A and 2B). Moreover, our findings suggest that the effect of identity breadth on subjective knowledge will lessen for consumers with high self‐esteem (experiment 3) and will reverse when the product domain is highly relevant to the narrow identity (experiment 4). Both theoretical contributions and marketing implications are discussed.
Ion stopping in dense plasmas: A basic physics approach
Authors: Deutsch Claude , Maynard Gilles
Published: December 2016

We survey quite extensively the present research status of ion-stopping in dense plasmas of potential importance for initial confinement fusion (ICF) driven by intense and heavy ion beams, and also for warm dense matter (WDM). First, we put emphasis on every possible mechanism involved in the shaping of the ion projectile effective charge, while losing energy in a target plasma with classical ions and partially degenerate electrons.

Then, we switch to ion stopping by target bound electrons, taking detailed account of mean excitation energies. Free electron stopping has already been given a lot of attention in former works [C. Deutsch et al., Recent Res. Devel. Plasma 1 (2000) 1–23; Open Plasma Phys. J. 3 (2010) 88–115]. Then, we extend the usual standard stopping model (SSM) framework to nonlinear stopping including a treatment of the Z3 Barkas effect and a confronting comparison of Bloch and Bohr Coulomb logarithms.

Finally, we document low velocity ion slowing down (LVISD) in single ion plasmas as well as in binary ionic mixtures (BIM), in connection with specific ICF fuels.
A key site for inferring the timing of dispersal of giant deer in Sardinia, the Su Fossu de Cannas cave, Sadali, Italy
Authors: Melis Rita Teresa , Palombo Maria Rita , Ghaleb Bassam , Meloni Serafino
Published: December 2016

Su Fossu de Cannas (SFC) cave is one of several known cavities in the Sadali plateau in Sardinia, Italy. The evolution of the cave is the result of complex erosional and deposital processes that occurred during the Neogene and Quaternary. A fossiliferous cemented conglomerate, containing various deer remains, now forms the ceiling of a cavity (tunnel). The faunal remains belong to a large cervid, which show some morphological affinity with large deer that have an endemic Sardinian lineage (Praemegaceros sardous — Praemegaceros cazioti). Palaeoecological data based on some peculiar features and the large size of the SFC deer suggest that it is the most primitive Megacerine found in Sardinia to date, and the first representative of the endemic lineage. The 450 ka U—Th age for the flowstone capping the fossiliferous layer defines: the end of sedimentation in which Sadali deer remains are preserved; and the dispersal from the mainland of the ancestor of the endemic Sardinian Megacerini. Stratigraphic and micromorphological analyses of the cave deposits allow the reconstruction of the timing of the cave’s development throughout the Pliocene to the Holocene.
Introducing MABL: A New Social Innovations Programme at the University of Melbourne
Authors: Wise Sarah
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this paper is to familiarise readers with a new social innovations programme at the University of Melbourne. MABL is an abbreviation for Mobilising change Alliance for Better Lives. The paper outlines the rationale for establishing MABL and describes the processes and principles it uses to generate, design, test and scale novel solutions to improve the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and adolescents. Information on how to join the change Alliance and/or invest in solving a better lives challenge is provided.
Editorial
Authors: Gair Susan , Lehmann Jennifer , Sanders Rachael
Published: November 2016

Welcome to the final edition of Children Australia for 2016. For this edition, I am pleased to be guest co-editor along with regular editors Jennifer Lehmann and Rachael Sanders. Living in rural and remote Australia can bring a high level of satisfaction and many rewards, including a strong caring community, rich, longstanding social relationships, outdoor lifestyle, happy childhood memories and psychological, cultural, spiritual and economic connections to country. Rural living and working can also bring unique challenges including harsh climatic conditions and crises, a tyranny of distance, isolation, family hardships, limited services and infrastructure, reduced education and employment opportunities; and increased risk of mental health issues, family violence and child safety concerns. The demands of providing remote area health, welfare and other professional services include high visibility and trying to ‘fit in’, managing confidentiality, and dual and inter-relationships. These and other geographical and environmental challenges lead to low workforce retention rates that, in turn, leave significant gaps in service provision for children, families and communities, including Aboriginal communities (Jervis-Tracey et al., 2016; Lehmann, 2015; Robinson, Mares, & Arney, 2016).
The relationship of endotoxaemia to peripheral and central nervous system inflammatory responses in Human African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: MACLEAN LORNA , ABOUBAKER ELTAYB A. , KENNEDY PETER G. E. , STERNBERG JEREMY M.
Published: November 2016

Endotoxaemia has been described in cases of Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), but it is unclear if this phenomenon influences inflammatory pathology either in the periphery or central nervous system (CNS). We studied endotoxin concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense patients using the chromogenic Limulus Amoebocyte lysate assay. The relationship of endotoxin concentration to the presentation of gross signs of inflammation and the inflammatory/counter-inflammatory cytokine profile of the relevant compartments were analysed. We demonstrate that HAT patients exhibit parasitaemia-independent plasma endotoxaemia, and that this is associated with splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Endotoxin concentrations normalize rapidly after treatment. There was no evidence of endotoxin release in the CNS. A rapid normalization of endotoxin levels after treatment and lack of association with parasitaemia suggest that gut leakage is the main source of endotoxin in the circulation. Low CSF endotoxin concentrations and a lack of any association with neuroinflammatory markers or neurological sequelae suggest that endotoxin does not play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease in the CNS.
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Insights on Cases of Greek Cultural Property: The J.P. Getty Case, the Leon Levy and Shelby White Case, and the Parthenon Marbles Case
Authors: Stamatoudi Irini
Published: December 2016

This article examines the pros and cons of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It also examines two cases in which Greek cultural treasures were returned to their country of origin by a US museum and a US collector on the basis of negotiations: the J.P. Getty Museum and the Leon Levy and Shelby White cases respectively. The Parthenon Marbles case is also examined, especially in light of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s recent (2013) invitation to the United Kingdom (UK) to accept mediation on the matter and the UK’s even more recent (2015) rejection of the invitation. In all three cases, the facts are set out and the author attempts an assessment of the ADR means used. Conclusions are drawn as to whether ADR is a feasible and beneficial option for the parties and whether, nowadays, it constitutes the norm in cases when cultural treasures are returned to their countries of origin.
Le point sur l’éthanol (alcool éthylique) et l’interprétation forensique
Authors: Augsburger Marc , Favrat Bernard
Published: December 2016

Résumé. Les mesures «via sicura» destinées à diminuer le nombre d’accidents et de décès sur la route entrent progressivement en vigueur. Une de ces mesures concerne la valeur probante de l’éthylomètre dès le 1.10.2016 dans les cas d’interpellation pour alcool au volant. Il nous a paru dès lors utile de refaire le point sur l’interpétation forensique de la mesure du taux d’éthanol dans l’air expiré et dans le sang, de rappeler les conversions principales lorsqu’un laboratoire médical donne le résultat en mmol/l et de décrire la manière de faire un calcul en retour lorsqu’une prise de sang est disponible.
Eine kurze Geschichte der Hysterie
Authors: Goetzmann Lutz
Published: December 2016

Zusammenfassung. Dieser Mini-Review präsentiert die nosologische Entwicklung der Hysterie. Ein Schwerpunkt liegt bei der Freud’schen Konzeptualisierung der hysterischen Disposition wie der Konversion psychischer Fantasien in Körpersymptome, ferner werden aktuelle Hysteriemodelle vorgestellt und diskutiert, weshalb die Hysterie heute nosologisch nicht mehr relevant zu sein scheint, gleichwohl aber Patienten weiterhin an hysterischen Symptomen leiden. Unabhängig von der jeweiligen Perspektive ist das Leid der Patienten ernstzunehmen: ihre existentiellen Ängste vor Ablehnung, Ausgeschlossensein und mangelnder Liebe, und ihr körpersymbolisches Ringen um Zuwendung und Hilfe. Die Hysterie-Debatte wird durch aktuelle neurobiologische Befunde abgerundet, welche die psychoanalytischen Konzepte aus heutiger Perspektive bestätigen. Der Artikel schliesst mit Hinweisen zur ärztlichen Grundhaltung und dem psychotherapeutischen Vorgehen.
The role of the proteasome in AML
Authors: Csizmar C M , Kim D-H , Sachs Z
Published: December 2016

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is deadly hematologic malignancy. Despite a well-characterized genetic and molecular landscape, targeted therapies for AML have failed to significantly improve clinical outcomes. Over the past decade, proteasome inhibition has been demonstrated to be an effective therapeutic strategy in several hematologic malignancies. Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib and carfilzomib, have become mainstays of treatment for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. In light of this success, there has been a surge of literature exploring both the role of the proteasome and the effects of proteasome inhibition in AML. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that proteasome inhibition disrupts proliferative cell signaling pathways, exhibits cytotoxic synergism with other chemotherapeutics and induces autophagy of cancer-related proteins. Meanwhile, clinical trials incorporating bortezomib into combination chemotherapy regimens have reported a range of responses in AML patients, with complete remission rates >80% in some cases. Taken together, this preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that inhibition of the proteasome may be efficacious in this disease. In an effort to focus further investigation into this area, these recent studies and their findings are reviewed here.
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease associated with inborn errors of IL‐17 immunity
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Puel Anne , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Kobayashi Masao
Published: December 2016

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is characterized by recurrent or persistent infections affecting the nails, skin and oral and genital mucosae caused by Candida spp., mainly Candida albicans. CMC is an infectious phenotype in patients with inherited or acquired T‐cell deficiency. Patients with autosomal‐dominant (AD) hyper IgE syndrome (HIES), AD signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) gain‐of‐function, autosomal‐recessive (AR) deficiencies in interleukin (IL)‐12 receptor β1 (IL‐12Rβ1), IL‐12p40, caspase recruitment domain‐containing protein 9 (CARD9) or retinoic acid‐related orphan receptor γT (RORγT) or AR autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) develop CMC as a major infectious phenotype that is categorized as Syndromic CMC. In contrast, CMC disease (CMCD) is typically defined as CMC in patients in the absence of any other prominent clinical signs. This definition is not strict; thus, CMCD is currently used to refer to patients presenting with CMC as the main clinical phenotype. The etiology of CMCD is not related to genes that cause severe combined immunodeficiency or combined immunodeficiency, nor to genes responsible for Syndromic CMC. Four genetic etiologies, AR IL‐17 receptor A, IL‐17 receptor C and ACT1 deficiencies, and AD IL‐17F deficiency, are reported to underlie CMCD. Each of these gene defects directly has an impact on IL‐17 signaling, suggesting their nonredundant role in host mucosal immunity to Candida. Here, we review current knowledge focusing on IL‐17 signaling and the genetic etiologies responsible for, and associated with, CMC.
C-terminal-truncated HBV X promotes hepato-oncogenesis through inhibition of tumor-suppressive β-catenin/BAMBI signaling
Authors: Lee Seok , Lee Mi-Jin , Zhang Jun , Yu Goung-Ran , Kim Dae-Ghon
Published: December 2016

C-terminal-truncated hepatitis B virus (HBV) X (HBx) (ctHBX) is frequently detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through HBV integration into the host genome. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ctHBx-associated oncogenic signaling have not yet been clarified. To elucidate the biological role of ctHBx in hepato-oncogenesis, we functionally analyzed ctHBx-mediated regulation of the activin membrane-bound inhibitor bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) through transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) or β-catenin (CTNNB1) in HCC cells and in an animal model, and we compared its role to that of the full-length HBx protein. Ectopic ctHBx expression generated more colonies in anchorage-dependent and -independent growth assays than did HBx expression alone. ctHBx downregulated BAMBI to a greater degree than did HBx in HCC cells. HBx activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which positively regulated the BAMBI expression through T-cell factor 1 signaling, whereas ctHBx negatively regulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. BAMBI downregulated the β-catenin and TGF-β1 signaling pathways. TGF-β1 positively regulated BAMBI expression thorough Smad3 signaling. Furthermore, knockdown of BAMBI was more tumorigenic in HCC cells. Therefore, downregulation of both β-catenin and TGF-β1 signaling by BAMBI might contribute to tumor suppression in mice xenotransplanted with HepG2 or SH-J1 cells. Taken together, ctHBx may have a more oncogenic role than HBx through its inhibition of tumor-suppressive β-catenin/BAMBI signaling.