bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal–free One–pot Synthesis of Functionalized Carbazoles
Authors: Tao Sheng , Wang Rong‐Jie , Liu Ning , Dai Bin
Published: March 2017

A distinct dichotomy in product distribution was initially observed in metal‐free domino C−N and C−O bond forming reaction of carbazoles with aryl halides or benzyl halides. The fluoride group in halogenated fluorobenzenes almost exclusively undergoes double nucleophilic substitution with hydroxy group and amino group bearing carbazole ring. The reaction was found to occur preferentially at benzyl‐halogen atom when halobenzyl halides were present. Controlling experiments found that first coupling occurred with excellent site‐selectivity in favor of the hydroxy group on carbazole. A wide range of halogenated functionalized carbazoles, which have a wide utility for organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and advanced functional materials application, were tolerated.
Alleviation of Hepatotoxicity of Arecoline (Areca Alkaloid) by a Synthetic Receptor
Authors: Li Shengke , Yang Xue , Niu Yanan , Andrew Greg L. , Bardelang David , Chen Xiuping , Wang Ruibing
Published: March 2017

Arecoline, as one of the major biologically active compounds extracted from Areca nut, has shown profound links to hepatotoxicity. In this study, the inclusion of arecoline hydrobromide (AH) in a synthetic receptor, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), was demonstrated by 1H NMR spectroscopic titration, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), and density functional theory (DFT) molecular modeling. The results showed that AH formed 1:1 host‐guest complexes with CB[7], with a binding constant Ka of 6.59 (±0.23) ×104 M−1, thermodynamically driven by both enthalpy (ΔH=‐4.93 kcal mol−1) and entropy (TΔS=1.65 kcal mol−1). The hepatotoxicity of AH, when evaluated using MTT assay with a human liver cell line L02, was significantly alleviated (up to four times) upon its encapsulation by CB[7]. This discovery may lead to a novel AH formulation for improved safety of this natural product.
Improving online learning activity interoperability with Acos server
Authors: Sirkiä Teemu , Haaranen Lassi
Published: March 2017

Modern online learning management systems (LMSs) support a variety of online learning activities, such as animations, exercises, and other interactive learning materials. However, there are many technical challenges in using the same activities in multiple LMSs because content is typically tightly coupled with one protocol to communicate with the LMS and different LMSs use different protocols for launching activities and receiving grades. This leads to low reusability of learning activities and similar content being developed in multiple places. To overcome these issues, we present Acos, a smart learning content server, which emphasizes the reusability of online learning activities by decoupling the content and existing interoperability protocols. It allows integrating the same learning activities into multiple LMSs using different protocols by providing a uniform interface for learning activities. Adapting this architecture allows instructors to choose activities based on pedagogical goals instead of letting technical restrictions of LMSs dictate the content selection process. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the quasi‐yield surface concept in plasticity theory
Authors: Soldatos Dimitris , Triantafyllou Savvas P.
Published: March 2017

In this paper we provide deeper insights into the concept of the quasi‐yield surface in plasticity theory. More specifically, in this work, unlike the traditional treatments of plasticity where special emphasis is placed on an unambiguous definition of a yield criterion and the corresponding loading‐unloading conditions, we place emphasis on the study of a general rate equation which is able to enforce elastic‐plastic behavior. By means of this equation we discuss the fundamental concepts of the elastic range and the elastic domain. The particular case in which the elastic domain degenerates into its boundary leads to the quasi‐yield surface concept. We exploit this concept further by discussing several theoretical issues related to it and by introducing a simple material model. The ability of the model in predicting several patterns of the real behavior of metals is assessed by representative numerical examples.
The Diagnostic Value of Routine Contrast Esophagram in Anastomotic Leaks After Esophagectomy
Authors: Hu Zhongwu , Wang Xiaowe , An Xush , Li Wenjin , Feng Yun , You Zhenbing
Published: March 2017

Background

Routine contrast esophagram has been shown to be increasingly limited in diagnosing anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing esophagectomy from 2013 to 2014 at Huai’an First Peoples’ Hospital were identified. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent routine contrast esophagram on postoperative day 7 (range 6–10) to preclude anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy.

Results

In 846 patients who underwent esophagectomy, a cervical anastomosis was performed in 286 patients and an intrathoracic anastomosis in 560 patients. There were 57 (6.73%) cases with anastomotic leaks, including cervical leaks in 36 and intrathoracic leaks in 21 patients. In the cervical anastomotic leak patients, 13 were diagnosed by early local clinical symptoms and 23 underwent routine contrast esophagram. There were 7 (30.4%) true‐positive, 11 (47.8%) false‐negative, and five (21.8%) equivocal cases. In the intrathoracic anastomotic leak patients, four (19%) were diagnosed by clinical symptoms, 16 (76.2%) were true positives, and one (4.8%) was a false negative. Aspiration occurred in five patients with cervical anastomoses and in eight patients with intrathoracic anastomoses; aspiration pneumonitis did not occur in these cases.

Conclusions

Gastrografin and barium are safe contrast agents to use in post‐esophagectomy contrast esophagram. Because of the low sensitivity in detecting cervical anastomotic leaks, routine contrast esophagram is not advised. For patients with intrathoracic anastomoses, it is still an effective method for detecting anastomotic leaks.
Mentored Trainees have Similar Short‐Term Outcomes to a Consultant Trainer Following Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection
Authors: De’Ath Henry D. , Devoto Laurence , Mehta Chaitanya , Bromilow James , Qureshi Tahseen
Published: March 2017

Background

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has a long learning curve. Using a modular‐based training programme may shorten this. Concerns with laparoscopic surgery have been oncological compromise and poor surgical outcomes when training more junior surgeons. This study aimed to compare operative and oncological outcomes between trainees undergoing a mentored training programme and a consultant trainer.

Methods

A prospective study of all elective laparoscopic colorectal resections was undertaken in a single institution. Operative and oncological outcomes were recorded. All trainees were mentored by a National Laparoscopic Trainer (Lapco), and results between trainer and trainees compared.

Results

Three hundred cases were included, with 198 (66%) performed for cancer. The trainer undertook 199 (66%) of operations, whilst trainees performed 101 (34%). Anterior resection was the commonest operation (n = 124, 41%). There were no differences between trainer and trainees for the majority of surgical outcomes, including blood loss (p = 0.598), conversion to open (p = 0.113), anastomotic leak (p = 0.263), readmission (p = 1.000) and death rates (p = 0.549). Only length of stay (p = 0.034), stoma formation (p < 0.01) and operative duration (p = 0.007) were higher in the trainer cohort, reflecting the more complex cases undertaken. Overall, there were no significant differences in both short‐ and longer‐term oncology outcomes according to the grade of operating surgeon, including lymph nodes in specimen, circumferential resection margin and 1‐ and 2‐year radiological recurrence.

Conclusion

When a modular‐based training system was combined with case selection, both clinical and histopathological outcomes following resectional laparoscopic colorectal surgery were similar between trainees and trainer. This should encourage the use of more training opportunities in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Validation of the Surgical Apgar Score After Laparotomy at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Rwanda
Authors: Ngarambe Christian , Smart Blair J. , Nagarajan Neeraja , Rickard Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Background

The surgical Apgar score (SAS) has demonstrated utility in predicting postoperative outcomes in a variety of surgical disciplines. However, there has not been a study validating the utility of the SAS in surgical patients in low‐income countries. We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients undergoing laparotomy at a tertiary referral hospital in Rwanda and determined the ability of SAS to predict inpatient major complications and mortality.

Methods

All adult patients undergoing laparotomy in a tertiary referral hospital in Rwanda from October 2014 to January 2015 were included. Data were collected on patient and operative characteristics. SAS was calculated and patients were divided into four SAS categories. Primary outcomes were in‐hospital mortality and major complications. Rates and odds of in‐hospital mortality and major complications were examined across the four SAS categories. Logistic regression modeling and calculation of c‐statistics was used to determine the discriminative ability of SAS.

Results

218 patients underwent laparotomy during the study period. One hundred and forty‐three (65.6%) were male, and the median age was 34 years (IQR 27–51 years). The most common diagnosis was intestinal obstruction (97 [44.5%]). A high proportion of patients (170 [78%]) underwent emergency surgery. Thirty‐nine (18.3%) patients died, and 61 (28.6%) patients had a major complication. In‐hospital mortality occurred in 25 (50%) patients in the high‐risk group, 12 (16%) in the moderate‐risk group, 2 (3%) in the mild‐risk group and there were no deaths in the low‐risk group. Major complications occurred in 32 (64%) patients in the high‐risk group, 22 (29%) in the moderate‐risk group, 7 (11%) in the mild‐risk group and there were no complications in the low‐risk group. SAS was a good predictor of postoperative mortality (c‐statistic 0.79) and major complications (c‐statistic 0.75).

Conclusions

SAS can be used to predict in‐hospital mortality and major complications after laparotomy in a Rwandan tertiary referral hospital.
Exploring Factors Influencing Low Back Pain in People With Nondysvascular Lower Limb Amputation: A National Survey
Authors: Devan Hemakumar , Hendrick Paul , Hale Leigh , Carman Allan , Dillon Michael P. , Ribeiro Daniel Cury
Published: March 2017

Background

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal impairment in people with lower limb amputation. Given the multifactorial nature of LBP, exploring the factors influencing the presence and intensity of LBP is warranted.

Objective

To investigate which physical, personal, and amputee‐specific factors predicted the presence and intensity of LBP in persons with nondysvascular transfemoral amputation (TFA) and transtibial amputation (TTA).

Design

A retrospective cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

A national random sample of people with nondysvascular TFA and TTA.

Participants

Participants (N = 526) with unilateral TFA and TTA due to nondysvascular etiology (ie, trauma, tumors, and congenital causes) and a minimum prosthesis use of 1 year since amputation were invited to participate in the survey. The data from 208 participants (43.4% response rate) were used for multivariate regression analysis.

Methods (Independent Variables)

Personal (ie, age, body mass, gender, work status, and presence of comorbid conditions), amputee‐specific (ie, level of amputation, years of prosthesis use, presence of phantom‐limb pain, residual‐limb problems, and nonamputated limb pain), and physical factors (ie, pain‐provoking postures including standing, bending, lifting, walking, sitting, sit‐to‐stand, and climbing stairs).

Main Outcome Measures (Dependent Variables)

LBP presence and intensity.

Results

A multivariate logistic regression model showed that the presence of 2 or more comorbid conditions (prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 4.34,P= .01), residual‐limb problems (POR = 3.76,P< .01), and phantom‐limb pain (POR = 2.46,P= .01) influenced the presence of LBP. Given the high LBP prevalence (63%) in the study, there is a tendency for overestimation of POR, and the results must be interpreted with caution. In those with LBP, the presence of residual‐limb problems (β = 0.21,P= .01) and experiencing LBP symptoms during sit‐to‐stand task (β = 0.22,P= .03) were positively associated with LBP intensity, whereas being employed demonstrated a negative association (β = −0.18,P= .03) in the multivariate linear regression model.

Conclusions

Rehabilitation professionals should be cognizant of the influence that comorbid conditions, residual‐limb problems, and phantom pain have on the presence of LBP in people with nondysvascular lower limb amputation. Further prospective studies could investigate the underlying causal mechanisms of LBP.

Level of Evidence

II
Finite dimensional behavior for weakly damped driven Schrödinger equations
Authors: Ghidaglia Jean-Michel
Published: March 2017

We study the long time behavior of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with a zero order dissipation when they are driven by an external force. We show that this behavior is described by an attractor which captures all the trajectories. One of our main results concerns the estimate of the uniform Lyapunov exponents on this attractor, which allows us to prove its finite dimensional character.

Nous étudions le comportement asymptotique, lorsque le temps tend vers l’infini, des solutions des équations de Schrödinger non linéaires, avec dissipation d’ordre zéro et en présence d’une force extérieure. Nous montrons que ce comportement est décrit par un attracteur qui capture toutes les trajectoires. Un de nos résultats principaux concerne l’estimation des exposants de Lyapunov uniformes sur cet attracteur.

Celle-ci nous permet d’établir, en particulier, que cet ensemble est de dimension finie.
Indice de Morse des points critiques obtenus par minimax
Authors: Viterbo Claude
Published: March 2017

In this paper we give bounds for the Morse index of a critical point obtained by minmax on some homology class. This improves previous results in which the minmax was taken on a homotopy (resp. cohomotopy) class and one only obtains an upper (resp. lower) bound on the index (
see
for instance [B‐L]).

On donne un encadrement de l’indice de Morse d’un point critique obtenu par minimax sur une classe d’homologie donnée. Ceci améliore les résultats précédemment obtenus en faisant un minimax sur une classe d’homotopie (resp. de cohomotopie) qui ne donnaient qu’une majoration (resp. minoration) de l’indice (
cf
. [B-L] par exemple).
Non-collision orbits for a class of Keplerian-like potentials
Authors: Ambrosetti Antonio , Zelati Vittorio Coti
Published: March 2017

We prove the existence of non-collision orbits with large period for a class of Keplerian-like dynamical systems.

Nous prouvons l’existence d’orbites de non-collision avec grand period pour une classe de systèmes dynamiques de type keplerien.
A GENERALISATION OF THE CLUNIE–SHEIL-SMALL THEOREM II
Authors: MICHALSKA MAŁGORZATA , MICHALSKI ANDRZEJ M.
Published: March 2017

We study properties of the simply connected sets in the complex plane, which are finite unions of domains convex in the horizontal direction. These considerations allow us to state new univalence criteria for complex-valued local homeomorphisms. In particular, we apply our results to planar harmonic mappings obtaining generalisations of the shear construction theorem due to Clunie and Sheil-Small [‘Harmonic univalent functions’, Ann. Acad. Sci. Fenn. Ser. A. I. Math.9 (1984), 3–25].
Effect of increasing concentrations of total dissolved salts in drinking water on digestion, performance and water balance in heifers
Authors: ALVES J. N. , ARAÚJO G. G. L. , NETO S. G. , VOLTOLINI T. V. , SANTOS R. D. , ROSA P. R. , GUAN L. , McALLISTER T. , NEVES A. L. A.
Published: March 2017

In the near future, ruminants may be forced to consume low-quality water since potable drinking water will become increasingly scarce in some regions of the world. A completely randomized design trial was completed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrations of total dissolved salts (TDS) (640, 3187, 5740 and 8326 mg TDS/l) in drinking water on the performance, diet digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen (N) and water balance using 24 Red Sindhi heifers (200 ± 5 kg) that were fed Buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris) grass hay and concentrate in a ratio of 50 : 50. After a 15-day diet adaptation period, the digestion study was completed over a 5-day period and the performance trial was completed over a 56-day period. Dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed:gain, intake and digestibility of most feed components were unaffected by the concentration of salt in the water. However, intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fibre declined linearly as TDS inclusion rate increased. Further, the inclusion of TDS resulted in a linear increase in the intake of drinking water and total (food plus drinking) water intake. Similarly, TDS inclusion levels resulted in a linear increase in total water excretion, with urine being the major route of water excretion. In contrast, increasing concentrations of TDS caused a linear decrease in creatinine and allantoin excretions. Finally, increasing the inclusion rate of TDS resulted in a linear decrease in N retention and a linear increase in urinary N excretion, which may pose a considerable challenge for farmers with respect to the reduction and management of nutrient losses.
Investigation ofMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) in Australian commercial milk using qPCR
Authors: Adhikari Shraddha , Caro Tohme Tanya , Whiley Harriet
Published: March 2017

This technical research communication describes the first study to use quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to investigate the presence ofMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) in Australian pasteurised milk. MAC is the most common NTM responsible for human illnesses and includesM. aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosis(MAP). MAC is a causative agent of lymphadenitis in children, with contaminated food and water considered as a likely source. As such the presence of MAC in milk would have public health significance. MAP has been linked to Crohn's disease and is also the causative agent of Johne's disease in cattle. Previous studies have detected MAP in pasteurised milk from Brazil, India, Czech Republic, USA, Argentina, UK, Iran, Ireland and the United Kingdom. This study investigated a total of 180 commercially available Australian pasteurised milk samples which were tested for MAC DNA in triplicate using PCR. All samples were negative for MAC DNA. An additional 14 milk samples were tested, incubated for 3 weeks at 37 °C to potentially increase the concentration of any viable MAC that may be present and then retested. All samples were again negative for MAC DNA. This could be due to concentrations below the limit of detection, limited sample size or could be reflective of the Australian biosecurity control protocols and surveillance of Johne's disease in ruminant animals.
Baseline demographics, clinical features and predictors of conversion among 200 individuals in a longitudinal prospective psychosis-risk cohort
Authors: Brucato G. , Masucci M. D. , Arndt L. Y. , Ben-David S. , Colibazzi T. , Corcoran C. M. , Crumbley A. H. , Crump F. M. , Gill K. E. , Kimhy D. , Lister A. , Schobel S. A. , Yang L. H. , Lieberman J. A. , Girgis R. R.
Published: March 2017

Background

DSM-5 proposes an Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS) for further investigation, based upon the Attenuated Positive Symptom Syndrome (APSS) in the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes (SIPS). SIPS Unusual Thought Content, Disorganized Communication and Total Disorganization scores predicted progression to psychosis in a 2015 NAPLS-2 Consortium report. We sought to independently replicate this in a large single-site high-risk cohort, and identify baseline demographic and clinical predictors beyond current APS/APSS criteria.

Method

We prospectively studied 200 participants meeting criteria for both the SIPS APSS and DSM-5 APS. SIPS scores, demographics, family history of psychosis, DSM Axis-I diagnoses, schizotypy, and social and role functioning were assessed at baseline, with follow-up every 3 months for 2 years.

Results

The conversion rate was 30% (n = 60), or 37.7% excluding participants who were followed under 2 years. This rate was stable across time. Conversion time averaged 7.97 months for 60% who developed schizophrenia and 15.68 for other psychoses. Mean conversion age was 20.3 for males and 23.5 for females. Attenuated odd ideas and thought disorder appear to be the positive symptoms which best predict psychosis in a logistic regression. Total negative symptom score, Asian/Pacific Islander and Black/African-American race were also predictive. As no Axis-I diagnosis or schizotypy predicted conversion, the APS is supported as a distinct syndrome. In addition, cannabis use disorder did not increase risk of conversion to psychosis.

Conclusions

NAPLS SIPS findings were replicated while controlling for clinical and demographic factors, strongly supporting the validity of the SIPS APSS and DSM-5 APS diagnosis.
Expansion of spatial and host range ofPuumalavirus in Sweden: an increasing threat for humans?
Authors: BORG O. , WILLE M. , KJELLANDER P. , BERGVALL U. A. , LINDGREN P.-E. , CHIRICO J. , LUNDKVIST Å.
Published: March 2017

Hantaviruses are globally distributed and cause severe human disease.Puumalahantavirus (PUUV) is the most common species in Northern Europe, and the only hantavirus confirmed to circulate in Sweden, restricted to the northern regions of the country. In this study, we aimed to further add to the natural ecology of PUUV in Sweden by investigating prevalence, and spatial and host species infection patterns. Specifically, we wanted to ascertain whether PUUV was present in the natural reservoir, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) further south than Dalälven river, in south-central Sweden, and whether PUUV can be detected in other rodent species in addition to the natural reservoir. In total, 559 animals were collected at Grimsö (59°43′N; 15°28′E), Sala (59°55′N; 16°36′E) and Bogesund (59°24′N; 18°14′E) in south-central Sweden between May 2013 and November 2014. PUUV ELISA-reactive antibodies were found both in 2013 (22/295) and in 2014 (18/264), and nine samples were confirmed as PUUV-specific by focus reduction neutralization test. Most of the PUUV-specific samples were from the natural host, the bank vole, but also from other rodent hosts, indicating viral spill-over. Finally, we showed that PUUV is present in more highly populated central Sweden.
Using record linkage to examine testing patterns for respiratory viruses among children born in Western Australia
Authors: LIM F. J. , BLYTH C. C. , KEIL A. D. , DE KLERK N. , MOORE H. C.
Published: March 2017

Changes in respiratory pathogen testing can affect disease burden estimates. Using linked data, we describe changes in respiratory virus testing among children born in Western Australia in 1996–2012. We extracted data on respiratory specimens from these children from birth to age 9 years. We estimated testing rates by age, year, Aboriginal status and geographical location. Predictors of testing among children hospitalised at least once before their 10th birthday were identified using logistic regression. We compared detection methods for respiratory viruses from nasal/nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens by age and year. Of 83 199 virology testing records in 2000–2012, 80% were nasal/NP specimens. Infants aged <1 month had the highest testing rates. Testing rates in all children increased over the study period with considerable yearly fluctuations. Among hospitalised children, premature children <32 weeks gestation had over three times the odds of being tested (95% CI 3·47–4·13) than those born at term. Testing using molecular methods increased from 5% to 87% over the study period. Proportion of positive samples increased from 36·3% to 44·4% (P < 0·01); this change was greatest in children aged 2–9 years. These findings will assist in interpreting results from future epidemiology studies assessing the pathogen-specific burden of disease.
The Self-focused Practice Questionnaire (SfPQ): Preliminary Psychometric Properties of a Measure of Therapist Self-focused Practice
Authors: Chigwedere Craig , Fitzmaurice Brian , Donohoe Gary
Published: March 2017

Background: Therapist self-practice, in its various forms, is common across therapeutic modalities, but a measure of its impact on participants does not yet exist. Aims: This paper describes the development and reliability testing of the ‘Self-focused Practice Questionnaire’ (SfPQ), a measure of self-perceived impact of one's self-focused practice. Method: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), internal consistency and reliability were assessed in a convenience sample of 112 trainee therapists. Results: Five factors, rating impacts on therapist Personal-self (Awareness of Developmental experiences, Experience of Personal Change and Felt-sense/Self-awareness), and Therapist-self (Internalization of the Model, and Development of Empathy) were identified, with good internal consistency and acceptable to good test–retest reliability. Conclusions: Though more work is needed, these preliminary results support the SfPQ's reliability and validity. The SfPQ is an important measure, which may enhance routine rating of self-focused practice in training institutions.
ON THE TENTH-ORDER MOCK THETA FUNCTIONS
Authors: MORTENSON ERIC T.
Published: March 2017

Using properties of Appell–Lerch functions, we give insightful proofs for six of Ramanujan’s identities for the tenth-order mock theta functions.
Angststörungen
Authors: Petermann Franz , Petermann Ulrike
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Angststörungen zählen zu den häufigsten psychischen Störungen des Kindes- und Jugendalters. Bei der Entwicklung von Ängsten kommt dem frühkindlichen Temperament, der elterlichen Psychopathologie und der genetischen Disposition eine zentrale Rolle zu. Aspekte der Emotionsregulation und Auffälligkeiten im Bindungsmuster werden zunehmend diskutiert. Gemeinsam mit den Angststörungen treten sowohl weitere internalisierende Störungen (z. B. die Depression) als auch externalisierende Auffälligkeiten (z. B. aggressives Verhalten) auf. In der Behandlung von Angststörungen scheint eine transdiagnostische Sichtweise besonders erfolgversprechend.
Deep Ocean Layers Continue to Heat Up
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: March 2017

Researchers look at more than 3 decades of temperature trends in the deep ocean to understand the layers' energy budgets.
Evaluating Highest-Temperature Extremes in the Antarctic
Authors: Skansi Maria , King John , Lazzara Matthew , Cerveny Randall , Stella Jose , Solomon Susan , Jones Phil , Bromwich David , Renwick James , Burt Christopher , Peterson Thomas , Brunet Manola , Driouech Fatima , Vose Russell , Krahenbuhl Daniel
Published: March 2017

The record high temperature for regions south of 60°S latitude is a balmy 19.8°C (67.6°F), recorded 30 January 1982 at a research station on Signy Island.
AGU Honors Program Makes Strides in Diversity
Authors: Mukasa Sam
Published: March 2017

Progress includes a new medal focused on developing nations, two Africa awards, and a significant rise in women and international members becoming AGU Fellows, honors nominees, and honorees.
BH3 mimetic-elicited Ca2+ signals in pancreatic acinar cells are dependent on Bax and can be reduced by Ca2+-like peptides
Authors: Ferdek Pawel E , Jakubowska Monika A , Nicolaou Polina , Gerasimenko Julia V , Gerasimenko Oleg V , Petersen Ole H
Published: March 2017

BH3 mimetics are small-molecule inhibitors of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-xL, which disrupt the heterodimerisation of anti- and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members sensitising cells to apoptotic death. These compounds have been developed as anti-cancer agents to counteract increased levels of Bcl-2 proteins often present in cancer cells. Application of a chemotherapeutic drug supported with a BH3 mimetic has the potential to overcome drug resistance in cancers overexpressing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and thus increase the success rate of the treatment. We have previously shown that the BH3 mimetics, BH3I-2′ and HA14-1, induce Ca2+ release from intracellular stores followed by a sustained elevation of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Here we demonstrate that loss of Bax, but not Bcl-2 or Bak, inhibits this sustained Ca2+ elevation. What is more, in the absence of Bax, thapsigargin-elicited responses were decreased; and in two-photon-permeabilised bax−/− cells, Ca2+ loss from the ER was reduced compared to WT cells. The Ca2+-like peptides, CALP-1 and CALP-3, which activate EF hand motifs of Ca2+-binding proteins, significantly reduced excessive Ca2+ signals and necrosis caused by two BH3 mimetics: BH3I-2′ and gossypol. In the presence of CALP-1, cell death was shifted from necrotic towards apoptotic, whereas CALP-3 increased the proportion of live cells. Importantly, neither of the CALPs markedly affected physiological Ca2+ signals elicited by ACh, or cholecystokinin. In conclusion, the reduction in passive ER Ca2+ leak in bax−/− cells as well as the fact that BH3 mimetics trigger substantial Ca2+ signals by liberating Bax, indicate that Bax may regulate Ca2+ leak channels in the ER. This study also demonstrates proof-of-principle that pre-activation of EF hand Ca2+-binding sites by CALPs can be used to ameliorate excessive Ca2+ signals caused by BH3 mimetics and shift necrotic death towards apoptosis.
Enhancing the catalytic activity of hydronium ions through constrained environments
Authors: Liu Yuanshuai , Vjunov Aleksei , Shi Hui , Eckstein Sebastian , Camaioni Donald M. , Mei Donghai , Baráth Eszter , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: March 2017

The dehydration of alcohols is involved in many organic conversions but has to overcome high free-energy barriers in water. Here we demonstrate that hydronium ions confined in the nanopores of zeolite HBEA catalyse aqueous phase dehydration of cyclohexanol at a rate significantly higher than hydronium ions in water. This rate enhancement is not related to a shift in mechanism; for both cases, the dehydration of cyclohexanol occurs via an E1 mechanism with the cleavage of Cβ–H bond being rate determining. The higher activity of hydronium ions in zeolites is caused by the enhanced association between the hydronium ion and the alcohol, as well as a higher intrinsic rate constant in the constrained environments compared with water. The higher rate constant is caused by a greater entropy of activation rather than a lower enthalpy of activation. These insights should allow us to understand and predict similar processes in confined spaces.
Modelled ocean changes at the Plio-Pleistocene transition driven by Antarctic ice advance
Authors: Hill Daniel J. , Bolton Kevin P. , Haywood Alan M.
Published: March 2017

The Earth underwent a major transition from the warm climates of the Pliocene to the Pleistocene ice ages between 3.2 and 2.6 million years ago. The intensification of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation is the most obvious result of the Plio-Pleistocene transition. However, recent data show that the ocean also underwent a significant change, with the convergence of deep water mass properties in the North Pacific and North Atlantic Ocean. Here we show that the lack of coastal ice in the Pacific sector of Antarctica leads to major reductions in Pacific Ocean overturning and the loss of the modern North Pacific Deep Water (NPDW) mass in climate models of the warmest periods of the Pliocene. These results potentially explain the convergence of global deep water mass properties at the Plio-Pleistocene transition, as Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) became the common source.
Trait self-consciousness predicts amygdala activation and its functional brain connectivity during emotional suppression: an fMRI analysis
Authors: Chen Shengdong , Chen Changming , Yang Jiemin , Yuan Jiajin
Published: March 2017

The present functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigated how trait neuroticism and its heterogeneous subdimensions are related to the emotional consequences and neural underpinnings of emotion regulation. Two levels of neuroticism assessments were conducted with 47 female subjects, who were required to attend to, suppress emotion displays to, or cognitively reappraise the meanings of negative images. The results showed reduced emotional experience and bilateral amygdala activation during reappraisal, and this regulation effect is unaffected by individual differences in neuroticism and its subdimensions. By contrast, the emotion downregulation effect of suppression in the right amygdala is compromised with increasing self-consciousness but not overall neuroticism dimension. This association holds robust after controlling the potential contribution of habitual suppression. Moreover, the psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis revealed that self-consciousness predicts weaker functional coupling of the right amygdala to supplementary motor area and putamen during expressive suppression, two regions mediating the control and execution of motor actions. These findings suggest that self-consciousness predicts increased difficulty in emotional regulation using expressive suppression; and that the heterogeneous nature of trait neuroticism needs to be considered in exploring the association of neuroticism and emotion regulation.
Silver nanoparticles reduce brain inflammation and related neurotoxicity through induction of H2S-synthesizing enzymes
Authors: Gonzalez-Carter Daniel A. , Leo Bey Fen , Ruenraroengsak Pakatip , Chen Shu , Goode Angela E. , Theodorou Ioannis G. , Chung Kian Fan , Carzaniga Raffaella , Shaffer Milo S. P. , Dexter David T. , Ryan Mary P. , Porter Alexandra E.
Published: March 2017

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are known to penetrate into the brain and cause neuronal death. However, there is a paucity in studies examining the effect of AgNP on the resident immune cells of the brain, microglia. Given microglia are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), it is important to examine how AgNPs affect microglial inflammation to fully assess AgNP neurotoxicity. In addition, understanding AgNP processing by microglia will allow better prediction of their long term bioreactivity. In the present study, the in vitro uptake and intracellular transformation of citrate-capped AgNPs by microglia, as well as their effects on microglial inflammation and related neurotoxicity were examined. Analytical microscopy demonstrated internalization and dissolution of AgNPs within microglia and formation of non-reactive silver sulphide (Ag2S) on the surface of AgNPs. Furthermore, AgNP-treatment up-regulated microglial expression of the hydrogen sulphide (H2S)-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). In addition, AgNPs showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated ROS, nitric oxide and TNFα production, which translated into reduced microglial toxicity towards dopaminergic neurons. Hence, the present results indicate that intracellular Ag2S formation, resulting from CSE-mediated H2S production in microglia, sequesters Ag+ ions released from AgNPs, significantly limiting their toxicity, concomitantly reducing microglial inflammation and related neurotoxicity.
A Novel Impedimetric Microfluidic Analysis System for Transgenic Protein Cry1Ab Detection
Authors: Jin Shunru , Ye Zunzhong , Wang Yixian , Ying Yibin
Published: March 2017

Impedimetric analysis method is an important tool for food safety detection. In this work, a novel impedimetric microfluidic analysis system consisted of a printed gold electrode chip and a microfluidic flow cell was developed for sensitive and selective detection of transgenic protein Cry1Ab. Anti-Cry1Ab aptamer coated magnetic beads were used to recognize transgenic protein Cry1Ab and form Cry1Ab-aptamer modified magnetic beads. After separation, the obtained Cry1Ab-aptamer modified magnetic beads were dissolved in 0.01 M mannitol and followed by injection into the microfluidic flow cell for impedimetric measurement. At the frequency of 358.3 Hz, the impedance signal shows a good linearity with the concentrations of Cry1Ab protein at a range from 0 to 0.2 nM, and the detection limit is 0.015 nM. The results demonstrate that the impedimetric microfluidic analysis system provides an alternative way to enable sensitive, rapid and specific detection of transgenic protein Cry1Ab.
Combining metformin and nelfinavir exhibits synergistic effects against the growth of human cervical cancer cells and xenograft in nude mice
Authors: Xia Chenglai , Chen Ruihong , Chen Jinman , Qi Qianqian , Pan Yanbin , Du Lanying , Xiao Guohong , Jiang Shibo
Published: March 2017

Human cervical cancer is the fourth most common carcinoma in women worldwide. However, the emergence of drug resistance calls for continuously developing new anticancer drugs and combination chemotherapy regimens. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cervical cancer effects of metformin, a first-line therapeutic drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nelfinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, when used alone or in combination. We found that both metformin and nelfinavir, when used alone, were moderately effective in inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis and suppressing migration and invasion of human cervical cell lines HeLa, SiHa and CaSki. When used in combination, these two drugs acted synergistically to inhibit the growth of human cervical cancer cells in vitro and cervical cancer cell xenograft in vivo in nude mice, and suppress cervical cancer cell migration and invasion. The protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunit PI3K(p110α), which can promote tumor growth, was remarkably downregulated, while the tumor suppressor proteins p53 and p21 were substantially upregulated following the combinational treatment in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that clinical use of metformin and nelfinavir in combination is expected to have synergistic antitumor efficacy and significant potential for the treatment of human cervical cancer.
A pharmacological approach in newly established retinal vein occlusion model
Authors: Fuma Shinichiro , Nishinaka Anri , Inoue Yuki , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Kondo Mineo , Hara Hideaki
Published: March 2017

The mechanism underlying the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) treatment is poorly understood, partly due to the lack of RVO animal models that mimic clinical pathology. The aims of this study were to establish a suitable RVO model, clarify the pathogenic mechanisms, and evaluate the effects of anti-VEGF antibody in the model. Mouse retinal veins were occluded by laser photocoagulation after rose bengal injection. Reduction of the b/a wave amplitude ratio, retinal nonperfusion, cystoid edema, and hard exudates were observed after occlusion, and expression of RVO-related genes was altered. Administration of anti-VEGF antibody immediately, or 7 days, after occlusion resulted in reduction and increase of the nonperfused area, respectively. We conclude that the present model will be useful for clarification of the pathogenic mechanisms, and that the timing of anti-VEGF antibody administration is important for the successful amelioration of retinal nonperfusion.
A first near real-time seismology-based landquake monitoring system
Authors: Chao Wei-An , Wu Yih-Min , Zhao Li , Chen Hongey , Chen Yue-Gau , Chang Jui-Ming , Lin Che-Min
Published: March 2017

Hazards from gravity-driven instabilities on hillslope (termed ‘landquake’ in this study) are an important problem facing us today. Rapid detection of landquake events is crucial for hazard mitigation and emergency response. Based on the real-time broadband data in Taiwan, we have developed a near real-time landquake monitoring system, which is a fully automatic process based on waveform inversion that yields source information (e.g., location and mechanism) and identifies the landquake source by examining waveform fitness for different types of source mechanisms. This system has been successfully tested offline using seismic records during the passage of the 2009 Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan and has been in online operation during the typhoon season in 2015. In practice, certain levels of station coverage (station gap < 180°), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR ≥ 5.0), and a threshold of event size (volume >106 m3 and area > 0.20 km2) are required to ensure good performance (fitness > 0.6 for successful source identification) of the system, which can be readily implemented in other places in the world with real-time seismic networks and high landquake activities.
A proliferative probiotic Bifidobacterium strain in the gut ameliorates progression of metabolic disorders via microbiota modulation and acetate elevation
Authors: Aoki Ryo , Kamikado Kohei , Suda Wataru , Takii Hiroshi , Mikami Yumiko , Suganuma Natsuki , Hattori Masahira , Koga Yasuhiro
Published: March 2017

The gut microbiota is an important contributor to the worldwide prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), which includes obesity and diabetes. The anti-MS effects exerted by Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis GCL2505 (BlaG), a highly proliferative Bifidobacterium strain in the gut, and B. longum ssp. longum JCM1217T (BloJ) were comparatively examined. BlaG treatment reduced visceral fat accumulation and improved glucose tolerance, whereas BloJ had no effect on these parameters. Gut microbial analysis revealed that BlaG exerted stronger effects on the overall bacterial structure of the gut microbiota than BloJ, including enrichment of the genus Bifidobacterium. The levels of acetate and glucagon-like peptide-1 were increased by BlaG treatment in both the gut and plasma, but not by BloJ treatment. Correlation analysis suggested that the elevation of gut acetate levels by BlaG treatment plays a pivotal role in the BlaG-induced anti-MS effects. These findings indicated that BlaG, a highly viable and proliferative probiotic, improves metabolic disorders by modulating gut microbiota, which results in the elevation of SCFAs, especially acetate.
Latent TGF-β binding protein 2 and 4 have essential overlapping functions in microfibril development
Authors: Fujikawa Yusuke , Yoshida Hideyuki , Inoue Tadashi , Ohbayashi Tetsuya , Noda Kazuo , von Melchner Harald , Iwasaka Toshiji , Shiojima Ichiro , Akama Tomoya O. , Nakamura Tomoyuki
Published: March 2017

Microfibrils are exracellular matrix components necessary for elastic fiber assembly and for suspending lenses. We previously reported that latent TGF-β binding protein 2 (LTBP-2), a microfibril-associated protein, is required for forming stable microfibril bundles in ciliary zonules. However, it was not understood why Ltbp2 null mice only showed an eye-specific phenotype, whereas LTBP-2 is abundantly expressed in other tissues containing microfibrils in wild type mice. Here, we show that LTBP-4, another microfibril-associated protein, compensates for the loss of LTBP-2 in microfibril formation. Ltbp2/4S double knockout (DKO) mice showed increased lethality due to emphysema, which was much more severe than that found in Ltbp4S null mice. Elastic fibers in the lungs of Ltbp2/4S DKO mice were severely disorganized and fragmented. Cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from Ltbp2/4S DKO embryos developed reduced microfibril meshwork in serum-free conditions, whereas the microfibril formation was restored by the addition of either recombinant LTBP-2 or -4. Finally, ectopic expression of LTBP-4 in the whole body restored ciliary zonule microfibril bundles in the eyes of Ltbp2 null mice. These data suggest that LTBP-2 and -4 have critical overlapping functions in forming the robust structure of microfibrils in vitro and in vivo.
Single-step One-pot Synthesis of Graphene Foam/TiO2 Nanosheet Hybrids for Effective Water Treatment
Authors: Wang Weilin , Wang Zhaofeng , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Zhengguo , Sun Luyi
Published: March 2017

Millions of tons of wastewater containing both inorganic and organic pollutants are generated every day, leading to significant social, environmental, and economic issues. Herein, we designed a graphene foam/TiO2 nanosheet hybrid, which is able to effectively remove both chromium (VI) cations and organic pollutants simultaneously. This graphene foam/TiO2 nanosheet hybrid was synthesized via a facile single-step one-pot hydrothermal method. The structure of the hybrid was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hybrid was evaluated for both chromium (VI) and organic pollutants (using methyl blue (MB) as an example) removal, and the removal mechanism was also investigated. During water treatment, graphene and TiO2 nanosheets function complimentarily, leading to a significant synergy. The hybrid exhibited outstanding chromium (VI) and MB removal capacity, much superior to the performance of the individual pure TiO2 sheets or pure graphene foam. The hybrid could also be easily separated after water treatment, and exhibited excellent recycle stability. Considering the very facile synthesis of this graphene foam/TiO2 nanosheet hybrid, and its excellent water treatment performance and recycle stability, such a hybrid is promising for large scale production for practical applications where both chromium (VI) cations and organic dyes are the main pollutants.
The role of connectedness in haptic object perception
Authors: Plaisier Myrthe A. , van Polanen Vonne , Kappers Astrid M. L.
Published: March 2017

We can efficiently detect whether there is a rough object among a set of smooth objects using our sense of touch. We can also quickly determine the number of rough objects in our hand. In this study, we investigated whether the perceptual processing of rough and smooth objects is influenced if these objects are connected. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to identify whether there were exactly two rough target spheres among smooth distractor spheres, while we recorded their response times. The spheres were connected to form pairs: rough spheres were paired together and smooth spheres were paired together (‘within pairs arrangement’), or a rough and a smooth sphere were connected (‘between pairs arrangement’). Participants responded faster when the spheres in a pair were identical. In Experiment 2, we found that the advantage for within pairs arrangements was not driven by feature saliency. Overall our results show that haptic information is processed faster when targets were connected together compared to when targets were connected to distractors.
Highly sensitive H2S sensors based on Cu2O/Co3O4 nano/microstructure heteroarrays at and below room temperature
Authors: Cui Guangliang , Zhang Pinhua , Chen Li , Wang Xiaoli , Li Jianfu , shi Changmin , Wang Dongchao
Published: March 2017

Gas sensors with high sensitivity at and below room temperature, especially below freezing temperature, have been expected for practical application. The lower working temperature of gas sensor is better for the manufacturability, security and environmental protection. Herein, we propose a H2S gas sensor with high sensitivity at and below room temperature, even as low as −30 °C, based on Cu2O/Co3O4 nano/microstructure heteroarrays prepared by 2D electrodeposition technique. This heteroarray was designed to be a multi-barrier system, and which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy. The sensor demonstrates excellent sensitivity, sub-ppm lever detection, fast response, and high activity at low temperature. The enhanced sensing property of sensor was also discussed with the Cu2O/Co3O4 p-p heterojunction barrier modulation and Cu2S conductance channel. We realize the detection of the noxious H2S gas at ultra-low temperature in a more security and environmental protection way.