bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Becoming Literate Digitally in a Digitally Literate Environment of Their Own
Authors: Ian O'Byrne W. , Pytash Kristine E.
Published: March 2017

This commentary begins with a summary of the current landscape of literacy, technology, and education. The authors then examine A Domain of One's Own as an important new initiative and explore how teachers and schools can implement this initiative. The authors contend that the building and developing of A Domain of One's Own is a good example of how schools can engage students in complex and meaningful literacy practices. In addition, the authors discuss the challenges and opportunities of providing students with a domain of their own to use as they start their literacy careers in our schools.
Piezoelectric electrospun nanocomposite comprising Au NPs/PVDF for nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Motamedi Asma S. , Mirzadeh Hamid , Hajiesmaeilbaigi Fereshteh , Bagheri‐Khoulenjani Shadab , Shokrgozar Mohammad A.
Published: March 2017

In this study, gold nanoparticles/Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) composite electrospun mat with enhanced piezoelectricity were fabricated and characterized. Gold colloidal nanoparticles (Au NPs) were prepared via laser ablation of metallic targets in liquid media. The active Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser was used as an irradiation source. Then, PVDF was dissolved in Au NPs colloidal solution at 30% wt for the synthesis of Au NPs/PVDF composite nanofibers by electrospinning. The optical absorbance spectra of Au NPS and the polymeric solutions were obtained by the UV‐Visible spectroscopy. Moreover, the morphology of Au NPS, nanostructures of fibers and diameter size distribution of nanofibers were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmitted Electron Microscopy methods. The crystallinity and piezoelectricity of PVDF and Au NPs/PVDF composite nanofibers mats were measured by X‐Ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared methods. Subsequently, in vitro cytocompatibility was evaluated by MTT assay and the attachment and morphology of PC‐12 cells cultured on scaffolds were studied. It was found that laser ablated Au NPs can be used in electrospun nanofibers of PVDF with adequate structural properties and increase piezoelectricity of nanofibers which might be suitable for applying as nerve tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1984–1993, 2017.
Targeting Notch-Activated M1 Macrophages Attenuates Joint Tissue Damage in a Mouse Model of Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Sun Wen , Zhang Hengwei , Wang Hua , Chiu Yahui Grace , Wang Mengmeng , Ritchlin Christopher T , Kiernan Amy , Boyce Brendan F , Xing Lianping
Published: March 2017

Expression levels of Notch signaling molecules are increased in synovium from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is not known which cell type(s) in RA synovium have Notch activation or if they play a pathogenetic role in RA. Here, we used Hes1-GFP/TNF-transgenic (TNF-Tg) mice to investigate the role of cells with active Notch signaling (GFP+) in RA. The number of GFP+ cells was significantly increased in synovium in Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg mice and about 60% of them were F4/80+ macrophages expressing the inflammatory macrophage (M1) marker. TNF-Tg mice transplanted with Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg bone marrow (BM) had significantly more GFP+ cells in their synovium than in BM. Intraarticular injection of Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg or Hes1-GFP+ BM macrophages into WT and TNF-Tg mice showed the highest synovial GFP+ cells in the TNF-Tg mice that received Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg cells. Thapsigargin (THAP), a Notch inhibitor, decreased TNF-induced M1 and increased M2 numbers and reduced joint lesion, synovial M1s, and GFP+ cells in Hes1-GFP/TNF-Tg mice. THAP did not affect M1s from mice carrying a constitutively active Notch1. Thus, the main cells with activated Notch signaling in the inflamed synovium of TNF-Tg mice are M1s derived from BM and targeting them may represent a new therapeutic approach for patients with inflammatory arthritis. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osteoporosis Is the Most Important Risk Factor for Odontoid Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Kaesmacher Johannes , Schweizer Claudia , Valentinitsch Alexander , Baum Thomas , Rienmüller Anna , Meyer Bernhard , Kirschke Jan S , Ryang Yu-Mi
Published: March 2017

Traumatic odontoid fractures (TOFs) have been described as the most common injury affecting the C-spine in the elderly. Previous studies have identified degenerative changes and bone loss as important predisposing factors. However, their interaction and respective age-adjusted impact needs further clarification. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 5303 patients (aged ≥60 years) admitted to a level I trauma center between January 2008 and January 2016 who underwent CT imaging of the C-spine. Ninety-two patients with TOF and 80 patients with other cervical spine fractures (OCSF) were identified and a respective 3:1 age- and sex-matched control group without fractures after trauma was built. In all groups, cervical bone mineral density (cBMD) was determined using phantom calibration, and degenerative changes were evaluated in a qualitative manner. In all groups, the severity of degenerative changes of the C-spine increased with age (all p < 0.05) and was inversely correlated with cBMD (all p < 0.05). cBMD was the only significant predictor of a TOF in a multivariate logistic regression model (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.066, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.432–6.563 for cervical osteoporosis). An association between odontoid cysts and TOF reached significance only in Anderson and D'Alonzo (A&D) type II TOFs (aOR = 1.383; 95% CI 1.012–1.890). Patients with OCSFs, compared with patients with TOFs, were younger (median 74 versus 83 years) and had a higher cBMD (median 208 mg/mL versus 172 mg/mL). No differences were observable when comparing cBMD and grades of degenerative changes between OCSFs and their control group (all p >0.1). Decreased cBMD is the major predisposing factor for the occurrence of TOF but not for OCSF in the elderly. The severity of odontoid cysts was found to be a cBMD-independent factor associated with A&D type II TOFs. However, degenerative changes in the odontoid neighboring joints seem to be an epiphenomenon of bone loss and older age but do not independently predispose for TOF. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) From Skin to Musculoskeletal Tissue Regeneration via Adenosine A2A Receptor Involvement
Authors: Veronesi Francesca , Dallari Dante , Sabbioni Giacomo , Carubbi Chiara , Martini Lucia , Fini Milena
Published: March 2017

Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) are low molecular weight DNA molecules of natural origin that stimulate cell migration and growth, extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production, and reduce inflammation. Most preclinical and clinical studies on tissue regeneration with PDRNs focused on skin, and only few are about musculoskeletal tissues. Starting from an overview on skin regeneration studies, through the analysis of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies (1990–2016), the present review aimed at defining the effects of PDRN and their mechanisms of action in the regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues. This would also help future researches in this area. A total of 29 studies were found by PubMed and www.webofknowledge.com searches: 20 were on skin (six in vitro, six in vivo, one vitro/vivo, seven clinical studies), while the other nine regarded bone (one in vitro, two in vivo, one clinical studies), cartilage (one in vitro, one vitro/vivo, two clinical studies), or tendon (one clinical study) tissues regeneration. PDRNs improved cell growth, tissue repair, ECM proteins, physical activity, and reduced pain and inflammation, through the activation of adenosine A2A receptor. PDRNs are currently used for bone, cartilage, and tendon diseases, with a great variability regarding the PDRN dosage to be used in clinical practice, while the dosage for skin regeneration is well established. PDRNs are usually administered from a minimum of three to a maximum of five times and they act trough the activation of A2A receptor. Further studies are advisable to confirm the effectiveness of PDRNs and to standardize the PDRN dose. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2299–2307, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myocardial proteases and cardiac remodeling
Authors: Riaz Sadaf , Zeidan Asad , Mraiche Fatima
Published: March 2017

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH), characterized by the enlargement of cardiomyocytes, fibrosis and apoptosis, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite the advances in cardiovascular research, there remains a need to further investigate the signaling pathways that mediate CH in order to identify novel therapeutic targets. One of the hallmarks of CH is the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Multiple studies have shown an important role of cysteine proteases and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the remodeled heart. This review focuses on the role of cysteine cathepins and MMPs in cardiac remodeling.
Analysis of extracellular vesicles produced in the biofilm by the dimorphic yeast Pichia fermentans
Authors: Leone Federica , Bellani Lorenza , Muccifora Simonetta , Giorgetti Lucia , Bongioanni Paolo , Simili Marcella , Maserti Biancaelena , Del Carratore Renata
Published: March 2017

The yeast Pichia fermentans DISAABA 726 strain (P. fermentans) is a dimorphic yeast that under different environmental conditions may switch from a yeast‐like to pseudohyphal morphology. We hypothesize that exosomes‐like vesicles (EV) could mediate this rapid modification. EV are membrane‐derived vesicles carrying lipids, proteins, mRNAs and microRNAs and have been recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication. Although it has been assumed for a long time that fungi release EV, knowledge of their functions is still limited. In this work we analyze P. fermentans EV production during growth in two different media containing urea (YCU) or methionine (YCM) where yeast‐like or pseudohyphal morphology are produced. We developed a procedure to extract EV from the neighboring biofilm which is faster and more efficient as compared to the widely used ultracentrifugation method. Differences in morphology and RNA content of EV suggest that they might have an active role during dimorphic transition as response to the growth conditions. Our findings are coherent with a general state of hypoxic stress of the pseudohyphal cells.
Synthesis of Pyridophenanthrolines via a Three‐Component Reaction Involving 1,10‐Phenanthrolin‐5‐Amine
Authors: Miao Wei‐Qing , Zhang Mei‐Mei , Wang Xiang‐Shan
Published: March 2017

A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of benzo[b]pyrido[3,2‐f][1,7]phenanthrolines and dipyrido[4,3‐b:3′,2′‐f][1,7]phenanthrolines has been developed in high yields. Using EtOH as a solvent without any additionally basic catalysts, the three‐component reaction of aromatic aldehyde, 1,10‐phenanthrolin‐5‐amine, and dimedone or piperidine‐2,4‐dione affords two novel classes of fused phentacyclic heterocycles containing both pyridine and phenanthroline moieties.
Pd‐catalyzed C‐H Arylation: A General Route for the Synthesis of Benzo[b]carbazolenaphthoquinones
Authors: Mandal Arabinda , Mondal Suresh Kumar , Jana Akash , Manna Susanta Kumar , Ali Sk Asraf , Samanta Shubhankar
Published: March 2017

A short, efficient and general methodology for benzo[b]carbazolenaphthoquinones was developed via Pd‐catalyzed C‐H arylation process. This methodology was successfully applied to the synthesis of highly biologically active compound 5H–benzo[b]carbazole‐6,11‐diones. Additionally, one‐pot synthesis of benzo[b]phenazine‐6,11(5H,12H)‐dione derivatives was also explored in aqueous medium.
Predictive modeling of long‐time crevice evolution at e‐coat defects under climate chamber test conditions
Authors: Bösch N.‐C. , Höche D. , Mittelbach A. , Kainer K. U.
Published: March 2017

The undermining of organic coatings on galvanized steel sheets is being characterized using transient finite element simulations. Galvanized steel sheets are the most widespread parts in the automobile industry. Thus, the delamination beginning from coating defects is a crucial issue to deal with. This matter is depicted through a manually brought in impairment in the coating layers down to the steel surface. Therefore, a galvanic couple is formed and mainly the less noble zinc layer corrodes and consequently anodically undermines the organic coating. In order to predict the corrosion behavior via computational simulations, an approach is developed which uses a mixture of digitalized polarization curves as well as empirical Tafel values and reveals a significant reduction in computation time. The corrosion progress is evaluated via current distributions and the resulting damage for different electrolytes, types of galvanizing and impairment dimensions. These simulations describe the progression of the corrosive anodic delamination process over several weeks and attune well to corresponding experimental climate chamber tests and offer an acceptable validity toward corrosion related surface finishing layout.
Farm level survey of spore‐forming bacteria on four dairy farms in the Waikato region of New Zealand
Authors: Gupta Tanushree B. , Brightwell Gale
Published: March 2017

The aim of our study was to determine the occurrence and diversity of economically important spore‐forming bacteria in New Zealand dairy farm systems. Farm dairy effluent (FDE) collected from Waikato dairy farms were tested for the presence of spore‐forming bacteria, using a new culture‐based methodology followed by genomic analysis. An enrichment step in which samples were inoculated in cooked meat glucose starch broth under anaerobic conditions, aided in the differential isolation of Bacillus and Clostridium species. Furthermore, the use of molecular methods such as ERIC genotyping, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified different spore‐forming bacteria present in FDE. C. sporogenes signature PCR gave further information on the phylogenetic relationship of the different Clostridium spp. isolated in this study. In total 19 Bacillus spp., 5 Paenibacillus spp. and 17 Clostridium spp. were isolated from farm dairy effluent. Sequence types similar to economically important food spoilage bacteria viz: C. butyricum, C. sporogenes and members of the Paenibacillus Genus were isolated from all four farms, whereas, sequence types similar to potential toxigenic, B. cereus, C. perfringens, C. butyricum, and C. botulinum were found on at least three of the farms. Sampling of farm dairy effluent provides a good indicator of farm level prevalence of bacterial load as it is used to irrigate dairy pasture in New Zealand. This study highlights the presence of various spore‐forming bacteria in dairy waste water and indicates the implementation of good hygienic farm practices and dairy waste effluent management.
Dutasteride add‐on therapy reduces detrusor mass in patients with benign prostatic enlargement not satisfied with alpha‐adrenergic antagonist monotherapy: A single center prospective study
Authors: De Nunzio Cosimo , Brassetti Aldo , Proietti Flavia , Gacci Mauro , Serni Sergio , Esperto Francesco , Tubaro Andrea
Published: March 2017

AIMS

The ultrasound assessment of bladder wall thickness (BWT) and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) have emerged as a non‐invasive, inexpensive, time‐saving alternatives to pressure‐flow studies to assess benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Aim of our study was to evaluate the effect on detrusor mass of dutasteride add‐on therapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

METHODS

A consecutive series of BPE patients with a prostate volume (PV) ≥30 mL and an international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) ≥8 not satisfied with Tamsulosin monotherapy were enrolled. Free maximum flow (Qmax), PV, BWT, and IPP were recorded at baseline and at 24 weeks follow‐up.

RESULTS

Overall, 27 men were enrolled. Dutasteride significantly improved LUTS (−46.7%; P = 0.001) and Qmax (+18.7%; P = 0.001) and reduced PV (−13%; P = 0.002), BWT (−40.3%; P = 0.001), and IPP (−14.9%; P = 0.015). At baseline, based on BWT ≥5 mm and an IPP >10 mm, 13/27 (48%) and 15/27 (55%) patients were defined at risk for BPO, respectively; while after 24 weeks of treatment they were 3/27 (11.1%) and 11/27 (40%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dutasteride add‐on therapy significantly reduced IPP and detrusor mass and was effective in improving LUTS in patients with BPE not satisfied with αBs monotherapy. The possible role of BWT and IPP as proxies of medical treatment outcomes should be confirmed by further studies.
Tensile modulus of polymer/CNT nanocomposites by effective volume fraction of nanoparticles as a function of CNT properties in the network
Authors: Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: March 2017

In this article, the effects of filler network and interphase between polymer matrix and nanoparticles on the tensile modulus of polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites are assumed by the effective volume fraction of nanoparticles. By this approach, the Takayanagi model is developed for polymer/CNT nanocomposites above percolation threshold. Also, the effective factors for filler network including the number (N), aspect ratio (α) and percolation threshold (ϕp) of CNT are correlated to three main parameters. The developed model is evaluated for some reported samples from previous papers, and the influences of main parameters on the modulus are examined. The acceptable predictability of the developed model for modulus of nanocomposites is illustrated by experimental results. The “α” and “N” parameters play positive roles in the modulus, while an inverse relation is observed between the modulus and the percolation threshold. The reasonable effects of these parameters on the tensile modulus of polymer/CNT nanocomposites are also discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microencapsulation of phosphor particles with the drying‐in‐liquid method in parallel with the suspension polymerization method and effect on afterglow luminance property
Authors: Taguchi Yoshinari , Ito Daisuke , Saito Natsukaze , Tanaka Masato
Published: March 2017

Strontium aluminate particles as phosphor particles were microencapsulated with the drying‐in‐liquid method in parallel with the suspension polymerization method in order to increase the waterproof and to improve afterglow luminance property.

In this study, ethylene glycol was used as the continuous phase instead of water to prevent phosphor particles from deteriorating at the microencapsulation process, and polystyrene was used as the more hydrophobic microcapsule shell. Styrene monomer was used as the solvent of polystyrene at the drying‐in‐liquid method and as the polymerizable monomer at the suspension polymerization method at the same time.

The content and the waterproof could be considerably increased with the drying‐in‐liquid method in parallel with the suspension polymerization method as compared with only the drying‐in‐liquid method, because the denser microcapsule shell without any tiny holes and cracks could be formed.

The decrease due to water in brightness of afterglow luminance of phosphor particles could be prevented by microencapsulating with the drying‐in‐liquid method in parallel with suspension polymerization method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and application of flexible insert for microinjection compression molding polymer microlens arrays with tunable height
Authors: Xie Heng , Huang Han‐Xiong , Chen An‐Fu
Published: March 2017

A flexible insert is assembled using easily available porous plate and flexible polymer film. Then, applying microinjection compression molding technology, a fast and efficient method is proposed for successive, mass and one‐step replication of polymer microlens arrays (MLAs). Orderly MLAs with convex microlenses are successfully prepared without a given micro‐feature on the insert corresponding to that on the MLAs. Interestingly, the flexible films are deformed to arc‐like profiles that match with the shape of the microlenses with different curvatures under the action of different mold compression forces. Hence, by only changing the compression force, a series of high quality MLAs with tunable height and so geometrical‐morphology are molded by one flexible insert. The molded MLAs exhibit average heights of 61.61–86.28 µm by varying the compression force from 90 to 120 kN. The molded MLAs exhibit favorable geometrical‐morphology uniformity and optical properties. The proposed method is an accessible approach to avoid expensive equipment and complicated procedure for manufacturing the mold microfeature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:213–219, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ion Energy and Angular Distribution in Biased Inductively Coupled Ar/O2 Discharges by Using a Hybrid Model
Authors: Wen De‐Qi , Zhang Yu‐Ru , Lieberman Michael A. , Wang You‐Nian
Published: March 2017

In this work, a global bulk plasma model coupled bi‐directionally with a Monte‐Carlo/fluid sheath model was developed for electronegative inductive discharges, to explore the ion energy function (IEDF) and angular distributions function (IADF) bombarding an rf‐biased electrode. At low bias voltage, the IEDF of shows a single energy peak that transforms into a bimodal distribution with increasing bias voltage. The IEDFs of and are always bimodal. The ion energy peak separation width largely depends on the ion masses. The IADFs are affected by the bias voltage, pressures and coil powers. The results at different coil powers indicate the importance of considering the collisions induced by atoms, especially in a a molecular gas.
Structural basis for dimerization and RNA binding of avian infectious bronchitis virus nsp9
Authors: Hu Tingting , Chen Cheng , Li Huiyan , Dou Yanshu , Zhou Ming , Lu Deren , Zong Qi , Li Yulei , Yang Cheng , Zhong Zhihui , Singh Namit , Hu Honggang , Zhang Rundong , Yang Haitao , Su Dan
Published: March 2017

The potential for infection by coronaviruses (CoVs) has become a serious concern with the recent emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the human population. CoVs encode two large polyproteins, which are then processed into 15–16 nonstructural proteins (nsps) that make significant contributions to viral replication and transcription by assembling the RNA replicase complex. Among them, nsp9 plays an essential role in viral replication by forming a homodimer that binds single‐stranded RNA. Thus, disrupting nsp9 dimerization is a potential anti‐CoV therapy. However, different nsp9 dimer forms have been reported for alpha‐ and beta‐CoVs, and no structural information is available for gamma‐CoVs. Here we determined the crystal structure of nsp9 from the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a representative gamma‐CoV that affects the economy of the poultry industry because it can infect domestic fowl. IBV nsp9 forms a homodimer via interactions across a hydrophobic interface, which consists of two parallel alpha helices near the carboxy terminus of the protein. The IBV nsp9 dimer resembles that of SARS‐CoV nsp9, indicating that this type of dimerization is conserved among all CoVs. This makes disruption of the dimeric interface an excellent strategy for developing anti‐CoV therapies. To facilitate this effort, we characterized the roles of six conserved residues on this interface using site‐directed mutagenesis and a multitude of biochemical and biophysical methods. We found that three residues are critical for nsp9 dimerization and its abitlity to bind RNA.
Aggregation prone regions in human proteome: Insights from large‐scale data analyses
Authors: Prabakaran R. , Goel Dhruv , Kumar Sandeep , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: March 2017

Protein aggregation leads to several burdensome human maladies, but a molecular level understanding of how human proteome has tackled the threat of aggregation is currently lacking. In this work, we survey the human proteome for incidence of aggregation prone regions (APRs), by using sequences of experimentally validated amyloid‐fibril forming peptides andviacomputational predictions. While approximately 30 human proteins are currently known to be amyloidogenic, we found that 260 proteins (∼1% of human proteome) contain at least one experimentally validated amyloid‐fibril forming segment. Computer predictions suggest that more than 80% of the human proteins contain at least one potential APR and approximately two‐thirds (65%) contain two or more APRs; spanning 3–5% of their sequences. Sequence randomizations show that this apparently high incidence of APRs has been actually significantly reduced by unique amino acid composition and sequence patterning of human proteins. The human proteome has utilized a wide repertoire of sequence‐structural optimization strategies, most of them already known, to minimize deleterious consequences due to the presence of APRs while simultaneously taking advantage of their order promoting properties. This survey also found that APRs tend to be located near the active and ligand binding sites in human proteins, but not near the post translational modification sites. The APRs in human proteins are also preferentially found at heterotypic interfaces rather than homotypic ones. Interestingly, this survey reveals that APRs play multiple, often opposing, roles in the human protein sequence‐structure‐function relationships. Insights gained from this work have several interesting implications towards novel drug discovery and development. Proteins 2017; 85:1099–1118. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classification of eastward propagating waves on the spherical Earth
Authors: Garfinkel Chaim I. , Fouxon Itzhak , Shamir Ofer , Paldor Nathan
Published: March 2017

Observational evidence for an equatorial non‐dispersive mode propagating at the speed of gravity waves is strong, and while the structure and dispersion relation of such a mode can be accurately described by a wave theory on the equatorial β‐plane, prior theories on the sphere were unable to find such a mode except for particular asymptotic limits of gravity wave phase speeds and/or certain zonal wave numbers. Here, an ad hoc solution of the linearized rotating shallow‐water equations (LRSWE) on a sphere is developed, which propagates eastward with phase speed that nearly equals the speed of gravity waves at all zonal wave numbers. The physical interpretation of this mode in the context of other modes that solve the LRSWE is clarified through numerical calculations and through eigenvalue analysis of a Schrödinger eigenvalue equation that approximates the LRSWE. By comparing the meridional amplitude structure and phase speed of the ad hoc mode with those of the lowest gravity mode on a non‐rotating sphere we show that at large zonal wave number the former is a rotation‐modified counterpart of the latter. We also find that the dispersion relation of the ad hoc mode is identical to the n = 0 eastward propagating inertia–gravity (EIG0) wave on a rotating sphere which is also nearly non‐dispersive, so this solution could be classified as both a Kelvin wave and as the EIG0 wave. This is in contrast to Cartesian coordinates where Kelvin waves are a distinct wave solution that supplements the EIG0 mode. Furthermore, the eigenvalue equation for the meridional velocity on the β‐plane can be formally derived as an asymptotic limit (for small (Lamb Number)‐1/4) of the corresponding second order equation on a sphere, but this expansion is invalid when the phase speed equals that of gravity waves i.e. for Kelvin waves. Various expressions found in the literature for both Kelvin waves and inertia–gravity waves and which are valid only in certain asymptotic limits (e.g. slow and fast rotation) are compared with the expressions found here for the two wave types.
Interface characteristic of aramid fiber reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composite
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Ping , Xiong Xuhai , Jia Caixia , Yu Qi , Ma Keming
Published: March 2017

Interface is an important microstructure for advanced polymer‐matrix composite. The composite interface is the bridge and the link for stress transferring between the fiber and the matrix resin. In this work, oxygen plasma treatment was used for modification of aramid fiber surface. The effects of plasma treatment power on interlaminar shear strength of composite were evaluated by short‐beam shear test. The morphologies of both the aramid fiber surface and its composite interface fracture were observed by SEM. The chemical structure and surface chemical composition of the plasma‐treated and separated fibers were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and XPS, respectively. The results showed that the interlaminar shear strength of composite was enhanced by 33% with plasma treatment power of 200 W. The FTIR and XPS results indicated that the active functional groups were introduced onto the aramid fiber surface by plasma treatment forming chemical bonds with the poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) resin. The SEM results proved that the aramid fiber surface was roughened by plasma treatment enhancing the mechanical bond with the poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) resin. The composite rupture occurred from the composite interface to the fiber or the matrix resin. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The X‐ray photoelectron spectra of Ir, IrO2 and IrCl3 revisited
Authors: Freakley S. J. , Ruiz‐Esquius J. , Morgan D. J.
Published: March 2017

The X‐ray photoelectron spectra of metallic iridium and the technologically important iridium compounds, IrO2 and IrCl3, have been studied. The results not only improve the accuracy of published data but also expand the binding energy database of other iridium core‐levels. The difference between anhydrous and hydrated materials is explored, and the effect on curve‐fitting is discussed, together with the derivation of suitable line shapes for peak fitting of data acquired from a conventional monochromatic Al Kα X‐ray source. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfluidic Synthesis of Nanohybrids
Authors: Wang Junmei , Song Yujun
Published: March 2017

Nanohybrids composed of two or more components exhibit many distinct physicochemical properties and hold great promise for applications in optics, electronics, magnetics, new energy, environment protection, and biomedical engineering. Microfluidic systems exhibit many advantages due to their unique characteristics of narrow channels, variable length, controllable number of channels and multiple integrations. Particularly their spatial‐temporarily splitting of the formation stages during nanomaterials formation along the microfluidic channels favors the online control of the reaction kinetic parameters and in situ tuning of the product properties. This Review is focused on the features of the current types of microfluidic devices in the synthesis of different types of nanohybrids based on the classification of the four main kinds of materials: metal, nonmetal inorganic, polymer and composites. Their morphologies, compositions and properties can be adjusted conveniently in these synthesis systems. Synthesis advantages of varieties of microfluidic devices for specific nanohybrids of defined surfaces and interfaces are presented according to their process and microstructure features of devices as compared with conventional methods. A summary is presented, and challenges are put forward for the future development of the microfluidic synthesis of nanohybrids for advanced applications.
A combined aeroelastic‐aeroacoustic model for wind turbine noise: verification and analysis of field measurements
Authors: Bertagnolio F. , Madsen H. Aa. , Fischer A.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, semi‐empirical engineering models for the three main wind turbine aerodynamic noise sources, namely, turbulent inflow, trailing edge and stall noise, are introduced. They are implemented into the in‐house aeroelastic code HAWC2 commonly used for wind turbine load calculations and design. The results of the combined aeroelastic and aeroacoustic model are compared with field noise measurements of a 500 kW wind turbine. Model and experimental data are in fairly good agreement in terms of noise levels and directivity. The combined model allows separating the various noise sources and highlights a number of mechanisms that are difficult to differentiate when only the overall noise from a wind turbine is measured. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[O2Pb3]2(BO3)Br: An Oxidoborate Oxide Bromide with the ∞1[O2Pb3] Double Chains Based on Edge‐sharing OPb4 Tetrahedra
Authors: Dong Lingyun , Yang Jiao , Shen Shigang , Liu Zhenzhen , Chen Xiaojing , Sun Sufang
Published: March 2017

Through extensive research on the PbO / PbBr2 / B2O3 system, a new single crystal of yellow lead‐containing oxyborate bromine, [O2Pb3]2(BO3)Br, was grown from the melt. It crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group Cmcm (no. 63) of the orthorhombic system with the following unit cell dimensions: a = 9.5748(8) Å, b = 20.841(2) Å, c = 5.7696(5) Å, and Z = 4. The whole structure is characterized by an infinite one‐dimensional (1D) ∞1[O2Pb3] double chain, which is based on the OPb4 oxocentered tetrahedra and considered as the derivative of the continuous sheet of OPb4 tetrahedra from the tetragonal modification of α‐PbO. The 1D ∞1[O2Pb3] double chains are further bridged by the BO3 units through common oxygen atoms to form two‐dimensional (2D) ∞1[[(O2Pb3)(BO3)] layers, with Br atoms situated between the layers. IR spectroscopy, UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and thermal analysis were also performed on the reported material.
Laparoscopic Repair of Duodenal Atresia: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mentessidou Anastasia , Saxena Amulya K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To investigate the outcome of laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia (LRDA) in relation to different approaches with regard to suture material and anastomosis technique. To identify evidence for the safety and efficacy of LRDA compared with the conventional open repair.

Methods

Systematic search was performed for all studies on LRDA, excluding case reports, and all comparative studies between LRDA and open repair. Chi‐square was used to assess associations between complications or conversions rates and different LRDA approaches (suture material, suturing technique). Meta‐analysis was employed to compare LRDA and open repair.

Results

The complications and conversions rates of LRDA were not affected by the different suture materials (Silk, Vicryl, PDS; p = 0.51) or suturing technique (interrupted, continuous; p = 0.46). The meta‐analysis did not show significant differences between LRDA and open repair in overall complications rate (p = 0.88), time to feeds (p = 0.12) and hospitalization time (p = 0.28), although it revealed longer operative time with LRDA (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

LRDA shows comparable safety and efficacy with the open repair, although it is associated with significantly longer operative time. There is no evidence that the type of the suture material or anastomotic technique affects the outcome of LRDA.
Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Menezes Mariano A. , Herbella Fernando A. M.
Published: March 2017

Gastroesophageal reflux disease pathophysiology is multifactorial and linked to a misbalance between the aggressiveness of the refluxate into the esophagus or adjacent organs and the failure of protective mechanisms associate or not to a defective valvular mechanism at the level of the esophagogastric junction incapable of dealing with a transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient. Antireflux mechanisms include the lower esophageal sphincter and abdominal esophagus, the diaphragm, the angle of His, the Gubaroff valve, and the phrenoesophageal membrane. Protective mechanisms include esophageal motility, saliva production, and epithelial protection. Disruption of this balance occurs most commonly due to the presence of a hiatal hernia, esophageal dysmotility, a rise in abdominal pressure (obesity), and decrease in thoracic pressure (chronic lung diseases).
Selective Enrichment of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Isomers in Their Mixtures Using Combined Chemical and Enzymatic Methods
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Chung Min‐Yu , Choi Hee‐Don , Choi In‐Wook , Kim In‐Hwan , Chun Hyang Sook , Kim Byung Hee
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to selectively enrich t10,c12‐conjugated linoleic acid (t10,c12‐CLA) and c9,t11‐CLA in commercial CLA mixtures using a combination of urea crystallization and lipase‐catalyzed esterification. The objective of the urea fractionation is to remove saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) from the CLA mixtures. CLA‐enriched free FA (FFA) mixtures containing 53.8 wt% t10,c12‐CLA and 39.1 wt% c9,t11‐CLA were produced from the CLA mixtures containing ~34 wt% each of the two CLA isomers by a urea crystallization using methanol and the urea‐to‐FA weight ratio of 2.5:1. The CLA‐enriched FFA mixtures were partially esterified with dodecan‐1‐ol in a recirculating packed‐bed reactor using an immobilized lipase from Candida rugosa to further enrich the t10,c12‐CLA and c9,t11‐CLA in an FFA fraction and an FA dodecyl ester fraction, respectively, under the optimal conditions, i.e., temperature, 20 °C; FA‐to‐dodecan‐1‐ol molar ratio, 1:1; water content, 2 wt% of total substrates; residence time, 5 min; and reaction time, 24 h (for t10,c12‐CLA enrichment) and 12 h (for c9,t11‐CLA enrichment). After the reaction, an FFA fraction with 72.6 wt% t10,c12‐CLA was obtained. Another FFA fraction with 62.0 wt% c9,t11‐CLA was recovered after the saponification of the FA dodecyl ester fraction. The yields of t10,c12‐CLA and c9,t11‐CLA in the FFA fractions were 43.6 and 21.5 wt%, respectively, based on their initial weights in the CLA mixtures.
Impaired wound healing: facts and hypotheses for multi-professional considerations in predictive, preventive and personalised medicine
Authors: Avishai Eden , Yeghiazaryan Kristina , Golubnitschaja Olga
Published: March 2017

Whereas the physiologic wound healing (WH) successfully proceeds through the clearly defined sequence of the individual phases of wound healing, chronic non-healing wounds/ulcers fail to complete the individual stages and the entire healing process. There are many risk factors both modifiable (such as stress, smoking, inappropriate alcohol consumption, malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, etc.) and non-modifiable (such as genetic diseases and ageing) strongly contributing to the impaired WH. Current statistics demonstrate that both categories are increasingly presented in the populations, which causes dramatic socio-economic burden to the healthcare sector and society at large. Consequently, innovative concepts by predictive, preventive and personalised medicine are crucial to be implemented in the area. Individual risk factors, causality, functional interrelationships, molecular signature, predictive diagnosis, and primary and secondary prevention are thoroughly analysed followed by the expert recommendations in this paper.
Russia and China in the 21st century. Moving towards cooperative behaviour
Authors: Malle Silvana
Published: March 2017

Political and economic rapprochement is taking place between Russia and China in a number of fields: energy, arms production, trade in national currencies and strategic projects in transport and supporting infrastructure. This development, fostered by Western policies and actions, including sanctions related to Ukraine, appears to be strengthening despite reservations related to uneasy precedents, contrasting visions and uncertain economic projections. Chinese policies aiming at European markets via the revival of the Silk Road assist this development. The One Belt-One Road is projected as an alternative, or supplement, to the maritime routes made unsafe by contiguous countries’ unrest, criminality and the assertive control of the seas by the United States. While Russia, promoting friendly investment structures, moves eastwards to develop the Russian Far East bordering China, the latter expands westwards engaging in laborious negotiations with Central Asian countries and costly investments in infrastructure and logistics. In each area, the article maintains that both countries, despite economic and political competition and fear of losing control, have interest in cooperation and discusses the areas where this is taking place, albeit slowly and with difficulty. Whether economic cooperation can develop into a strategic alliance including defence is discussed in the light of joint military exercises, arms trade and plans to broaden the scope of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (of which India and Pakistan have recently become members), and the Common ASEAN Community. This path is difficult and marred by members’ conflicting interests. But some positive outcomes should not be ruled out.
A meta-analysis of neurocognition in youth with familial high risk for bipolar disorder
Authors: Bora E. , Özerdem A.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Neuropsychological impairment, including deficits in social cognition is evident in subjects at genetic high-risk for psychosis. However, findings in youth at genetic risk to bipolar disorder (BP) have been suggested to be less supportive of premorbid deficits. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of cognitive deficits in youth with familiar risk for bipolar disorder (FHR-BD).

Methods:

A novel meta-analysis of FHR-BD (mean age 10–25), including 18 studies (786 offsprings/siblings of patients with BD and 794 healthy controls), was conducted.

Results:

Both general cognition (d = 0.29, CI = 0.15–0.44) and social cognition (d = 0.23, CI = 0–0.45) were impaired in FHR-BD. In comparison to controls, FHR-BD had significant deficits in several cognitive domains, including visual memory (d = 0.35), verbal memory (d = 0.21), processing speed (d = 0.26) and sustained attention (d = 0.36). There was no significant difference between FHR-BD and controls in planning and working memory.

Conclusions:

Cognitive deficits are evident in individuals who are at genetic high-risk for developing BD. Neurodevelopmental abnormalities are likely playing a role not only in schizophrenia but also in BD.
CXCR4 (CD184) expression on stem cell harvest and CD34+ cells post-transplant
Authors: Asfour Inas , Afify Hanaa , Elkourashy Shaza , Ayoub Maryse , Kamal Gihan , Gamal Mary , Elgohary Ghada
Published: March 2017

Objectives/background:

CXCR4 is a receptor for stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), a molecule that has a chemotactic activity for lymphocytes and is important in homing of hematopoietic stem cells to their adult marrow. We evaluated the CXCR4 (CD184) expression in the harvest cells and in the post-transplant bone marrow (BM) and its relation to engraftment, as determined by the consensus criteria and chimerism.

Methods:

This is a prospective study which included 30 patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; 15 patients received autograft and 15 patients received allograft on dates between January 2012 and May 2014. We assessed CD184 (CXCR4) using flow cytometry in the harvest cells together with post-transplant BM assessment on Day 28 and Day 90 for complete morphologic, molecular studies, and detection of CD184 expression on CD34+ cells with chimerism studies on total peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results:

Diagnoses of the enrolled patients were as follows: seven (24.1%) with acute myeloid leukemia, eight (27.6%) with multiple myeloma, four (13.8%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, three (10.3%) with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, two (6.9%) with myelodysplastic syndromes, two (6.9%) with aplastic anemia, two (6.9%) with chronic myeloid leukemia, one (3.4%) with Hodgkin lymphoma, and one (3.4%) with plasmacytomas. One patient died and was excluded from the study because there were not enough data about engraftment. There was no statistical significance between the level of CD184 in stem cell harvest and the prediction of successful engraftment (p > 0.05) as well as in Day 28 BM sample (p > 0.05), whereas there was a statistical significance between the level of CD184 in Day 90 BM sample and the occurrence of successful engraftment (p = 0.002).

Conclusion:

SDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays a crucial role in engraftment; however, more studies are warranted to assess their expression post-transplant. Evaluating the ligand (chemokine, SDF-1) or its receptor (CXCR4) may serve as potential surrogate markers for assessment of engraftment.
Spatial navigation and risk of cognitive impairment: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Verghese Joe , Lipton Richard , Ayers Emmeline
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Spatial navigation deficits are reported in dementia, but their temporal relationship to cognitive decline is not established.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study in 442 nondemented adults (mean age 79.9 years). Spatial navigation measured with the Floor Maze Test and reported as immediate maze time (IMT) and delayed maze time (DMT). Predementia syndromes, mild cognitive impairment syndrome (MCI) and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), were primary outcomes.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up of 16.5 ± 13.7 months, 41 participants developed MCI and 30 participants developed MCR. In Cox models adjusted for age, sex, education, cognitive status, comorbid illnesses, and maze errors, a 10‐second increment on IMT predicted incident MCI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.48) and MCR (aHR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.23–1.90). DMT predicted MCR but not MCI.

Discussion

Spatial navigation performance predicted predementia syndromes in aging and implicates navigational impairments as an early feature in dementias.
Grado de desarrollo de los componentes de la aptitud clínica en pregrado de Cardiología
Authors: Gómez López Víctor Manuel , Rosales Gracia Sandra , García Galaviz José Luis , Berrones Sánchez Karla Isabel
Published: March 2017

Introducción: La principal competencia del médico, es la capacidad de poder emitir juicios en relación con los problemas clínicos que presentan los pacientes. Por lo tanto, se requiere que los futuros médicos desarrollen las aptitudes para poder desempeñarse adecuadamente, para solucionar los problemas que les plantearán los pacientes en el futuro. Objetivo: Identificar el grado de desarrollo de los componentes de la aptitud clínica de los alumnos de la licenciatura de medicina, al término del curso de la asignatura de Cardiología. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, prolectivo, transversal y comparativo en 93 alumnos matriculados en la asignatura de Cardiología del ciclo académico 2015/02 de una escuela de medicina particular, con más del 85% de asistencia a clase durante el semestre evaluado. Se excluyeron del estudio a los alumnos irregulares o que ya hubieran cursado la asignatura previamente. Se evaluó el grado de desarrollo de la aptitud clínica global y según cada componente. Para el análisis de los resultados, se utilizaron porcentajes y además la prueba de la Ji cuadrada, para explorar la distribución de cada uno de los componentes de la aptitud clínica, considerando un valor de p≤a 0.05 como estadísticamente significativo. Resultados: En más de la mitad de los alumnos, en general la aptitud clínica global, se ubicó en el nivel de suficiente. El componente de la aptitud clínica mejor evaluado, fue el hecho de establecer una comunicación adecuada con el paciente y/o familiar, lo que equivale a que el 92.5% de los alumnos obtuvieron un nivel de aptitud en este componente en el nivel suficiente, lo que corresponde a un valor de p de 0.0001. Conclusiones: La aptitud clínica global en la asignatura de cardiología en los alumnos de pre-grado es suficiente.
Cartas al editor de autores cubanos en revistas médicas indizadas en Scopus. Réplica
Authors: Gonzalez-Argote Javier , Garcia-Rivero Alexis Alejandro , Dorta-Contreras Alberto Juan
Published: March 2017

Agradecemos a los autores los comentarios realizados a nuestro trabajo. La concepción y desarrollo de una investigación especialmente bibliométrica no está exenta de polémicas.