bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The EU Member States’ Right to Electricity Mix
Authors: Szabo Viktor
Published: July 2016

Electricity grids between EU Member States are interconnected and therefore, electricity policy in one Member State may influence the functioning of electricity systems in the other states. This article analyzes the impact of an EU Member State’s energy policy on the other Member States from the perspective of the right to determinate their electricity mix. The paper argues that the scope of a Member State’s right to electricity mix guaranteed by Article 194(2) TFEUis limited considerably. The right of a Member State to decide on the choice of its energy sources and the general structure of its energy supply in the electricity sector is bordered by the same rights of the other Member States.
Rationale of Collective Management Organizations: An Economic Perspective
Authors: Zhang Zijian
Published: July 2016

In the market for information goods, externalities occur when the production or consumption of literary and artistic works is not directly reflected in the market. Economic theories regarding the creation of market externalities, the causes for market failures, and the correction of market inefficiencies provide evidence in support of retaining the copyright system as the means of correcting these market failures and inefficiencies and to encourage authorship. This approach can also be adopted to analyze the system of collective management. This article aims at analyzing the rationale of collective management system through an economic approach. The author maintains that collecting societies are effective in dealing with the complicated process of rights management, license granting and remuneration distribution.
Open source approaches to establishingRoseobacterclade bacteria as synthetic biology chassis for biogeoengineering
Authors: Borg Yanika , Grigonyte Aurelija Marija , Boeing Philipp , Wolfenden Bethan , Smith Patrick , Beaufoy William , Rose Simon , Ratisai Tonderai , Zaikin Alexey , Nesbeth Darren N.
Published: July 2016

Aim.The nascent field of bio-geoengineering stands to benefit from synthetic biologists’ efforts to standardise, and in so doing democratise, biomolecular research methods.Roseobacterclade bacteria comprise 15–20% of oceanic bacterio-plankton communities, making them a prime candidate for establishment of synthetic biology chassis for bio-geoengineering activities such as bioremediation of oceanic waste plastic. Developments such as the increasing affordability of DNA synthesis and laboratory automation continue to foster the establishment of a global ‘do-it-yourself’ research community alongside the more traditional arenas of academe and industry. As a collaborative group of citizen, student and professional scientists we sought to test the following hypotheses: (i) that an incubator capable of cultivating bacterial cells can be constructed entirely from non-laboratory items, (ii) that marine bacteria from theRoseobacterclade can be established as a genetically tractable synthetic biology chassis using plasmids conforming to the BioBrickTMstandard and finally, (iii) that identifying and subcloning genes from aRoseobacterclade species can readily by achieved by citizen scientists using open source cloning and bioinformatic tools.

Method.We cultivated threeRoseobacterspecies,Roseobacter denitrificans,Oceanobulbus indolifexandDinoroseobacter shibae. For each species we measured chloramphenicol sensitivity, viability over 11 weeks of glycerol-based cryopreservation and tested the effectiveness of a series of electroporation and heat shock protocols for transformation using a variety of plasmid types. We also attempted construction of an incubator-shaker device using only publicly available components. Finally, a subgroup comprising citizen scientists designed and attempted a procedure for isolating the cold resistanceanf1gene fromOceanobulbus indolifexcells and subcloning it into a BioBrickTMformatted plasmid.

Results.All species were stable over 11 weeks of glycerol cryopreservation, sensitive to 17 µg/mL chloramphenicol and resistant to transformation using the conditions and plasmids tested. An incubator-shaker device, ‘UCLHack-12’ was assembled and used to cultivate sufficient quantity ofOceanobulbus indolifexcells to enable isolation of theanf1gene and its subcloning into a plasmid to generate the BioBrickTMBBa_K729016.

Conclusion.The process of ‘de-skilling’ biomolecular techniques, particularly for relatively under-investigated organisms, is still on-going. However, our successful cell growth and DNA manipulation experiments serve to indicate the types of capabilities that are now available to citizen scientists. Science democratised in this way can make a positive contribution to the debate around the use of bio-geoengineering to address oceanic pollution or climate change.
High‐latitude energy input and its impact on the thermosphere
Authors: Lu G. , Richmond A. D. , Lühr H. , Paxton L.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a quantitative assessment of high‐latitude energy input and its partitioning in the polar cap by synthesizing various space and ground‐based observations during the 17 January 2005 geomagnetic storm. It was found that Joule heating is the primary form of magnetospheric energy input, especially during active times when the hemispheric‐integrated Joule heating can be an order of magnitude larger than the hemispheric‐integrated auroral power. Most of magnetospheric energy is dissipated in the auroral zone rather than in the polar cap. On average, only about 22–25% of the total hemispheric energy input is dissipated into the polar cap region bordered by the convection reversal boundary (CRB) and the poleward auroral flux boundary (FXB). The impact of high‐latitude energy input was also investigated to unveil the causal relationship between Joule heating and the formation of polar cap mass density anomalies. Our numerical simulation demonstrated that thermosphere dynamics readily redistributes composition, temperature, and mass through upwelling and atmospheric gravity waves. The polar cap mass density anomalies observed by the CHAMP satellite during the storm were largely a result of large‐scale atmospheric gravity waves. Therefore, an increase in local thermospheric mass density does not necessarily mean there is direct energy input.
Estimates of vertical turbulent mixing used to determine a vertical gradient in net and gross oxygen production in the oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre
Authors: Haskell W. Z. , Prokopenko M. G. , Stanley R. H. R. , Knapp A. N.
Published: July 2016

Mixed layer (ML) gross (GOP) and net (NOP) oxygen production rates based on in situ mass balances of triple oxygen isotopes (TOI) and O2/Ar are influenced by vertical transport from below, a term traditionally difficult to constrain. Here we present a new approach to estimate vertical eddy diffusivity (Kz) based on density gradients in the upper thermocline and wind speed‐based rates of turbulent shear at the ML depth. As an example, we use this Kz, verified by an independent 7Be‐based estimate, in an O2/TOI budget at a site in the oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre. NOP equaled 0.31 ± 0.16 mmol m−2 d−1 in the ML (~55–65 m depth) and 1.2 ± 0.4 mmol m−2 d−1 (80%) beneath the ML, while GOP equaled 74 ± 27 mmol m−2 d−1 (86%) in the ML and 12 ± 4 mmol m−2 d−1 (14%) below, revealing a vertical gradient in production rates unquantifiable without the Kz estimate.
Snowmelt rate dictates streamflow
Authors: Barnhart Theodore B. , Molotch Noah P. , Livneh Ben , Harpold Adrian A. , Knowles John F. , Schneider Dominik
Published: July 2016

Declining mountain snowpack and earlier snowmelt across the western United States has implications for downstream communities. We present a possible mechanism linking snowmelt rate and streamflow generation using a gridded implementation of the Budyko framework. We computed an ensemble of Budyko streamflow anomalies (BSAs) using Variable Infiltration Capacity model‐simulated evapotranspiration, potential evapotranspiration, and estimated precipitation at 1/16° resolution from 1950 to 2013. BSA was correlated with simulated baseflow efficiency (r2 = 0.64) and simulated snowmelt rate (r2 = 0.42). The strong correlation between snowmelt rate and baseflow efficiency (r2 = 0.73) links these relationships and supports a possible streamflow generation mechanism wherein greater snowmelt rates increase subsurface flow. Rapid snowmelt may thus bring the soil to field capacity, facilitating below‐root zone percolation, streamflow, and a positive BSA. Previous works have shown that future increases in regional air temperature may lead to earlier, slower snowmelt and hence decreased streamflow production via the mechanism proposed by this work.
Three‐dimensional distribution of ionospheric anomalies prior to three large earthquakes in Chile
Authors: He Liming , Heki Kosuke
Published: July 2016

Using regional Global Positioning System (GPS) networks, we studied three‐dimensional spatial structure of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) anomalies preceding three recent large earthquakes in Chile, South America, i.e., the 2010 Maule (Mw 8.8), the 2014 Iquique (Mw 8.2), and the 2015 Illapel (Mw 8.3) earthquakes. Both positive and negative TEC anomalies, with areal extent dependent on the earthquake magnitudes, appeared simultaneously 20–40 min before the earthquakes. For the two midlatitude earthquakes (2010 Maule and 2015 Illapel), positive anomalies occurred to the north of the epicenters at altitudes 150–250 km. The negative anomalies occurred farther to the north at higher altitudes 200–500 km. This lets the epicenter, the positive and negative anomalies align parallel with the local geomagnetic field, which is a typical structure of ionospheric anomalies occurring in response to positive surface electric charges.
Scientific objectives and capabilities of the Coronal Solar Magnetism Observatory
Authors: Tomczyk S. , Landi E. , Burkepile J. T. , Casini R. , DeLuca E. E. , Fan Y. , Gibson S. E. , Lin H. , McIntosh S. W. , Solomon S. C. , de Toma G. , de Wijn A. G. , Zhang J.
Published: July 2016

Magnetic influences increase in importance in the solar atmosphere from the photosphere out into the corona, yet our ability to routinely measure magnetic fields in the outer solar atmosphere is lacking. We describe the scientific objectives and capabilities of the COronal Solar Magnetism Observatory (COSMO), a proposed synoptic facility designed to measure magnetic fields and plasma properties in the large‐scale solar atmosphere. COSMO comprises a suite of three instruments chosen to enable the study of the solar atmosphere as a coupled system: (1) a coronagraph with a 1.5 m aperture to measure the magnetic field, temperature, density, and dynamics of the corona; (2) an instrument for diagnostics of chromospheric and prominence magnetic fields and plasma properties; and (3) a white light K‐coronagraph to measure the density structure and dynamics of the corona and coronal mass ejections. COSMO will provide a unique combination of magnetic field, density, temperature, and velocity observations in the corona and chromosphere that have the potential to transform our understanding of fundamental physical processes in the solar atmosphere and their role in the origins of solar variability and space weather.
Factors Related to Blood Hydroxychloroquine Concentration in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yeon Lee Ji , Lee Jennifer , Ki Kwok Seung , Hyeon Ju Ji , Su Park Kyung , Park Sung‐Hwan
Published: July 2016

Objective

To identify factors associated with blood concentrations of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its major metabolite, N‐desethylhydroxychloroquine (DHCQ), in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; lupus) receiving long‐term oral HCQ treatment.

Methods

SLE patients who had been taking HCQ for more than 3 months were recruited. Various clinical characteristics, laboratory values, and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores were examined. The concentrations of HCQ and DHCQ ([HCQ] and [DHCQ]) were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and the relationship between [HCQ], [DHCQ], and [HCQ]:[DHCQ] ratio to various factors was investigated.

Results

In total, 189 SLE patients receiving long‐term HCQ treatment were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) [HCQ] was 515 (IQR 353–720) ng/ml, the median [DHCQ] was 417 (IQR 266–591) ng/ml, and the median [HCQ]:[DHCQ] ratio was 1.3 (range 1.0–1.7). [HCQ] was closely associated with [DHCQ] (r = 0.81, P < 0.0001). The weight‐adjusted oral HCQ dose was strongly associated with both [HCQ] (P < 0.001) and [DHCQ] (P < 0.001). Time since last dose was associated with [HCQ] (P < 0.001). No statistically significant association was found between renal function or smoking and [HCQ] or [DHCQ]. Use of additional immunosuppressants increased both [HCQ] and [DHCQ] after adjusting for possible confounders (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). The lower SLEDAI score was significantly related to higher [HCQ], after adjusting for age, sex, weight‐adjusted HCQ dose, time since last dose, number of other immunosuppressants, and smoking status (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Various factors affected blood levels of [HCQ], [DHCQ], or the [HCQ]:[DHCQ] ratio of SLE patients receiving long‐term oral HCQ treatment. Notably, higher [HCQ] was associated with a lower SLEDAI score in our typical outpatient clinic population with lupus.
Treatment Guidelines for Rheumatologic Manifestations of Sjögren's Syndrome: Use of Biologic Agents, Management of Fatigue, and Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Carsons Steven E. , Vivino Frederick B. , Parke Ann , Carteron Nancy , Sankar Vidya , Brasington Richard , Brennan Michael T. , Ehlers William , Fox Robert , Scofield Hal , Hammitt Katherine M. , Birnbaum Julius , Kassan Stuart , Mandel Steven
Published: July 2016

Objective

The Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are designed to improve quality and consistency of care in Sjögren's syndrome by offering recommendations for management.

Methods

Management questions for the systemic manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome were posed by the CPG committee with input from patients and rheumatologists. Clinical questions were assigned to a topic review group that performed systematic reviews and data extraction and drafted guidelines. Quality of evidence and strength of recommendation were rated using the American Society of Clinical Oncology's modification of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Guideline recommendations were reviewed by a consensus expert panel (CEP) composed of 30–40 clinicians from academia and community practices, as well as registered nurses and patients, using a modified Delphi process. A CEP agreement level of 75% was set as a minimum for adoption of a guideline recommendation.

Results

Consensus was achieved for 19 recommendations; for 11 additional modules, available data were insufficient to allow a recommendation to be formulated. Of the 19 recommendations, 15 required 1 Delphi round, 2 required 2 rounds, and 2 required 3 rounds.

Conclusion

Key recommendations include a decision tree for the use of oral disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs for inflammatory musculoskeletal pain, use of self‐care measures and advice regarding exercise to reduce fatigue, and the use of rituximab in selected clinical settings for oral and ocular dryness and for certain extraglandular manifestations, including vasculitis, severe parotid swelling, inflammatory arthritis, pulmonary disease, and mononeuritis multiplex. The CPG committee strongly discouraged the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors for sicca symptoms and for the majority of clinical contexts in primary Sjögren's syndrome.
Effects of Belimumab on Flare Rate and Expected Damage Progression in Patients With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Iaccarino Luca , Bettio Silvano , Reggia Rossella , Zen Margherita , Frassi Micol , Andreoli Laura , Gatto Mariele , Piantoni Silvia , Nalotto Linda , Franceschini Franco , Larosa Maddalena , Fredi Micaela , Punzi Leonardo , Tincani Angela , Doria Andrea
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate effectiveness and safety of belimumab in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a clinical practice setting.

Methods

Sixty‐seven patients with active SLE, mean ± SD age 39.3 ± 10.2 years, from 2 Italian prospective cohorts were treated with belimumab (10 mg/kg on day 0, 14, 28, and then every 28 days) added to background therapy. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K), the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index, the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), 24‐hour proteinuria, the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) activity score, anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA), C3 and C4 levels, and prednisone daily dose were recorded at baseline, month 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24. Arthritis was subdivided into “classical” (CLP) and “rheumatoid‐like”; skin manifestations into acute (ACLE), subacute (SCLE), and chronic. SLE flares, defined according to the SLEDAI Flare Index, were calculated before and after belimumab initiation. Adverse events were carefully evaluated during treatment. Statistics were performed by the SPSS package (version 21.0).

Results

Mean ± SD followup was 16.2 ± 9.5 months. Main refractory manifestations treated with belimumab were musculoskeletal (37.3%), mucocutaneous (22.4%), and renal (23.9%). SLEDAI‐2K, prednisone daily dose, anti‐dsDNA, DAS28, CLASI, and 24‐hour proteinuria decreased during treatment. DAS28 score decreased in patients with polyarthritis (P < 0.001), particularly in those with CLP (P < 0.001), and CLASI decreased in patients with skin manifestation (P = 0.003), either ACLE (P = 0.051) or SCLE (P = 0.047). Flare rate was lower 1 and 2 years after belimumab initiation than in the periods before (P = 0.001). Belimumab was well‐tolerated and no damage accrual was observed after initiation.

Conclusion

Belimumab was effective and safe in a clinical practice setting; it decreased the number of flares and hindered damage progression in patients with active SLE.
Predictors of Back Pain in Middle‐Aged Women: Data From the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health
Authors: Brady Sharmayne R. E. , Monira Hussain Sultana , Brown Wendy J. , Heritier Stephane , Wang Yuanyuan , Teede Helena , Urquhart Donna M. , Cicuttini Flavia M.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Back pain causes greater disability worldwide than any other condition, with women more likely to experience back pain than men. Our aim was to identify modifiable risk factors for back pain in middle‐aged women.

Methods

Women born between 1946 and 1951 were randomly selected from the national health insurance scheme database to participate in The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Self‐reported data on back pain in the last 12 months, and on weight, physical activity, and other sociodemographic factors, were collected in 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2013. In 1998, a total of 12,338 women completed the survey and 10,011 (74%) completed the 2013 survey.

Results

At baseline, median (range) age was 49.5 years (44.6–53.5 years), and 54% reported back pain. In multivariate analysis, baseline weight and depression were positive predictors of back pain over each 3‐year survey interval and over the following 15 years, whereas participation in vigorous physical activity was protective. The effects of weight on back pain were most marked in women with a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2.

Conclusion

Back pain is common in middle‐aged women. Increased weight, weight gain, and depression were independent predictors of back pain over 15 years, whereas participation in vigorous physical activity was protective. Targeting these lifestyle factors is an important area for future research on reducing the burden of back pain in middle‐aged women.
MicroRNA‐Responsive Drug Release System for Selective Fluorescence Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Lee Ji‐Seon , Kim Seongchan , Na Hee‐Kyung , Min Dal‐Hee
Published: July 2016

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive strategy to treat diseases by light‐triggered activation of a photosensitizer (PS). One aim of the recent researches on PDT is to overcome the limitation of conventional PDT by improving selective activation of PS on targeted region. Here, a microRNA (miRNA)‐responsive drug activation system is developed which focuses on the role of endogenous miRNA as an internal cancer specific stimulus for initiating drug release in cancer treatment. The present system consists of PS chlorin e6 (Ce6) conjugated to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) having complementary sequence to cancer specific miRNA and dextran coated reduced graphene oxide nanocolloid (Dex‐RGON). In the presence of oncogenic miR‐21 in cancer cells, Ce6‐PNA drug gets hybridized with miR‐21, resulting in the release of Ce6‐PNA from Dex‐RGON and subsequent recovery of Ce6 fluorescence and activation of Ce6 as a photosensitizer under near IR irradiation. It is demonstrated that the Ce6‐PNA/Dex‐RGON complex shows sequence‐specific fluorescence in response to miR‐21 and selective cytotoxic effect for tumor growth inhibition. The present study will pave a new way for utilizing PDT in cancer treatment with tightly regulated activation of a photosensitizer by oncogenic miRNA as an internal stimulus to reduce potential risk associated with conventional PDT.
3D‐Printed High Dielectric Contrast Gradient Index Flat Lens for a Directive Antenna with Reduced Dimensions
Authors: Isakov Dmitry , Stevens Chris J. , Castles Flynn , Grant Patrick S.
Published: July 2016

Gradient refractive index (GRIN) materials are of interest for various applications where transformation optic principles can be applied to the design of improved photonic and microwave devices. GRIN materials comprise spatially varying electric and/or magnetic properties that challenge conventional manufacturing processes. In this work, the design, fabrication, characterization, and performance measurement of a 3D‐printed GRIN lens are presented. Using the fused deposition modeling 3D printing process with a bespoke filament material possessing high dielectric permittivity, a refractive index contrast of ∆n = 1.4 across a GRIN lens at Ku‐band microwave frequencies is achieved. When the GRIN lens is combined with an open aperture horn, an improved antenna directivity is achieved while simultaneously reducing the overall antenna physical length by over a factor of two.
Temporal patterns of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography sinonasal uptake after treatment of sinonasal malignancy
Authors: Schwartz Joseph S. , Brooks Steven G. , Stubbs Vanessa , Ghosh Ankona , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Khalili Sammy , Palmer James N. , Lee John Y.K. , Nabavizadeh Seyed Ali , Learned Kim O. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: July 2016

Background

Current guidelines have identified 10 to 12 weeks posttreatment as the ideal time‐point for improved diagnostic accuracy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for deep tissue sites of the head and neck. After treatment, the sinonasal skull base is predisposed to prolonged inflammation that may render this time‐point inappropriate for initial posttreatment imaging surveillance for sinonasal malignancies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate temporal trends in 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) sinonasal uptake after treatment for sinonasal malignancies to better elucidate the optimal time‐point for initial PET/CT posttreatment evaluation in this patient population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all successfully treated and non–locally recurrent sinonasal malignancies over a 15‐year study period (2000 to 2015) was performed at our institution. Posttreatment 18FDG PET/CT standardized uptake value data were collected and compared between various time‐points (2 to 4 months, 5 to 12 months, 5 to 24 months, and 13 to 24 months) using an independent‐samples t test.

Results

A statistically significant difference was noted between the posttreatment time windows 2 to 4 and 5 to 12 months (p = 0.048) as well as 2 to 4 and 5 to 24 months (p = 0.02). A trend toward significance was seen when comparing 2 to 4 and 13 to 24 months (p = 0.083).

Conclusion

Our analysis of PET/CT in patients previously treated for sinonasal malignancy suggests that the posttreatment sinonasal skull base is characterized by a prolonged period of hypermetabolism that endures beyond the period previously described for deep tissue sites of the head and neck. These findings prompt a reevaluation of the previously described 10‐ to 12‐week cutoff point for initial posttreatment PET/CT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as applied to sinonasal malignancies.
Ambulance dispatches to schools during a 5‐year period in Fukui Prefecture
Authors: Takinami Yoshikazu , Maeda Shinji
Published: July 2016

Aim

To determine the characteristics and trends of medical emergencies during school activities by analyzing information provided by fire departments.

Methods

During a 5‐year period from January 2009 to December 2013, all nine fire departments in Fukui Prefecture handled 850 emergencies at schools. We investigated the 850 cases with the age range of 0–63 years.

Results

It was found that 21.5% of ambulance dispatches to schools were on weekends and there were more dispatches for non‐faculty members of all age groups on weekends than on weekdays. The percentage of weekend dispatches was particularly high for students aged ≥19 years. Emergency calls for junior high school students and younger students accounted for the majority of weekday calls. There were a total of 524 ambulance dispatches for the three categories “sprains, contusions, dislocations, and fractures” (n = 245), “seizures, epilepsy, and syncope” (n = 171), and “cuts, bruises, lacerations, trauma, amputations, and burns” (n = 108), with dispatches for these three categories accounting for 61.6% of all dispatches. Almost all dispatches for “heat stroke and dehydration” were during school hours and were concentrated between the months of July and September. Heat stroke was most common among high school students and most often occurred during the summer/fall season and on weekends.

Conclusion

Heat stroke was the fourth most frequent condition that required an ambulance dispatch after the above three conditions. Heat stroke is predictable, indicating that it is necessary to prevent heat stroke during high school club activities.
Rheological behavior of starch–poly(vinyl alcohol)–TiO2 nanofluids and their main and interactive effects
Authors: Mousazadeh Saeed , Shakouri Abolfazl , Hojjat Mohammad , Etemad Seyed Gholamreza , Heris Saeed Zeinali
Published: July 2016

In this study, an investigation of the rheological behavior of starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/titanium oxide (TiO2) nanofluids was performed. It revealed that the rheological behavior of starch suspensions displays a particular change due to the presence of PVA and TiO2. All examined fluids demonstrated non‐Newtonian behavior and followed the Power law model. The main and interacting effects of starch, PVA, and TiO2 nanoparticles concentrations were studied using the analysis of variance. The results indicated that the flow behavior index (n), as well as the consistency index (K) of suspensions, is influenced by the PVA and TiO2 contents. The flow behavior index (n) decreased and consistency index (K) increased by an increase in PVA concentration. A reverse trend is observed by the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles to starch and PVA blend suspensions. The difference in rheological behaviors was ascribed to the presence of binary and triplet interactions between starch, PVA, and TiO2 nanoparticles. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44062.
Soft PEDOT:PSS aerogel architectures for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Gordon Madeleine P. , Zaia Edmond W. , Zhou Preston , Russ Boris , Coates Nelson E. , Sahu Ayaskanta , Urban Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2016

In this study, we present the first characterization of pure PEDOT:PSS aerogels fabricated via a facile and reproducible freeze–drying technique using no additional crosslinking agents, and it is demonstrated that these materials provide a promising path to new classes of polymeric thermoelectric materials. The morphology, chemical composition, and thermoelectric properties of these robust and mechanically stable aerogels were investigated upon treatment with ethylene glycol. By direct comparison to fully dense PEDOT:PSS thick films, it is shown that the electronic portion of thermoelectric transport in PEDOT:PSS was remarkably unaffected by morphological porosity, presenting exciting opportunities for novel soft materials that simultaneously integrate thermoelectric behavior while also capitalizing on the high surface area scaffolding accessible in such aerogel architectures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44070.
Brief Report: Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Endothelial Dysfunction and Increases Type I Interferon Gene Expression in a Murine Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Reynolds John A. , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Smith Carolyne K. , Sergeant Jamie C. , Rice Gillian I. , Briggs Tracy A. , Bruce Ian N. , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and impaired endothelial repair. Although vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased CVD risk in the general population, a causal relationship has not been demonstrated. We aimed to determine whether vitamin D deficiency directly modulates endothelial dysfunction and immune responses in a murine model of SLE.

Methods

Vitamin D deficiency was induced in lupus‐prone MRL/lpr mice by dietary restriction for 6 weeks. Endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation was quantified using aortic ring myography, and endothelial repair mechanisms were assessed by evaluating the phenotype and function of bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and with the use of an in vivo Matrigel plug model. Lupus disease activity was determined by evaluating expression of interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) in splenic tissue, positivity for serum autoantibodies, and renal histology. To validate the findings, expression of ISGs was also measured in whole blood from vitamin D–deficient and vitamin D–sufficient patients with SLE.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency resulted in impaired endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation and decreases in neoangiogenesis without a change in the total number of EPCs. There were no differences in anti–double‐stranded DNA titers, proteinuria, or glomerulonephritis (activity or chronicity) between vitamin D–deficient or sufficient mice. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a trend toward increased ISG expression both in mice and in patients with SLE.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency is associated with hampered vascular repair and reduced endothelial function, and may modulate type I interferon responses.
Efficacy and Safety of ABT‐494, a Selective JAK‐1 Inhibitor, in a Phase IIb Study in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and an Inadequate Response to Methotrexate
Authors: Genovese Mark C. , Smolen Josef S. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Burmester Gerd R. , Meerwein Sebastian , Camp Heidi S. , Wang Li , Othman Ahmed A. , Khan Nasser , Pangan Aileen L. , Jungerwirth Steven
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ABT‐494, a selective JAK‐1 inhibitor, in patients with moderate‐to‐severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

Three hundred RA patients receiving stable doses of MTX were randomly assigned equally to receive immediate‐release ABT‐494 at 3, 6, 12, or 18 mg twice daily, 24 mg once daily, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (achieving an ACR20 response) at week 12, as determined using the last observation carried forward method.

Results

At week 12, the proportion of ACR20 responses was higher with ABT‐494 (62%, 68%, 80%, 64%, and 76% for the 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mg doses, respectively) than with placebo (46%) (using nonresponder imputation) (P < 0.05 for the 6, 12, and 24 mg doses). There was a significant dose‐response relationship among all ABT‐494 doses (P < 0.001). The proportions of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 responses were significantly higher for all ABT‐494 doses (except the 12 mg dose for the ACR70 response) than for placebo, as were changes in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP). Rapid improvement was demonstrated by significant differences in ACR20 response rates and changes in the DAS28‐CRP for all doses compared with placebo at week 2 (the first postbaseline visit). The incidence of adverse events was similar across groups; most were mild, and infections were the most frequent. One serious infection (community‐acquired pneumonia) occurred with ABT‐494 at 12 mg. There were dose‐dependent increases in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but the LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratios were unchanged through week 12. Mean hemoglobin levels remained stable at lower doses, but decreases were observed at higher doses.

Conclusion

This study evaluated a broad range of doses of ABT‐494 in RA patients with an inadequate response to MTX. ABT‐494 demonstrated efficacy, with a safety and tolerability profile similar to that of other JAK inhibitors.
Threatening faces fail to guide attention for adults with autistic‐like traits
Authors: English Michael C. W. , Maybery Murray T. , Visser Troy A. W.
Published: July 2016

Individuals diagnosed with autistic spectrum conditions often show deficits in processing emotional faces relative to neurotypical peers. However, little is known about whether similar deficits exist in neurotypical individuals who show high‐levels of autistic‐like traits. To address this question, we compared performance on an attentional blink task in a large sample of adults who showed low‐ or high‐levels of autistic‐like traits on the Autism Spectrum Quotient. We found that threatening faces inserted as the second target in a rapid serial visual presentation were identified more accurately among individuals with low‐ compared to high‐levels of autistic‐like traits. This is the first study to show that attentional blink abnormalities seen in autism extend to the neurotypical population with autistic‐like traits, adding to the growing body of research suggesting that autistic‐related patterns of behaviors extend into a subset of the neurotypical population. Autism Res 2017, 10: 311–320. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methode zur Analyse der Rezyklierbarkeit von Baukonstruktionen
Authors: Schwede Dirk , Störl Elke
Published: July 2016

Diese Veröffentlichung stellt eine Methode zur Analyse der Rezyklierbarkeit von Baukonstruktionen vor. Sie zielt darauf ab, die Kreislauffähigkeit von Bauwerken am Anfang zu entwickeln und für das Ende des Lebenszyklus' zu sichern. Bauteilaufbauten werden mit Recyclinggraphen beschrieben, deren Komponenten zum einen die Materialelemente und zum anderen deren Verbindungen (die Fügungen) repräsentieren. Materialien werden hinsichtlich der Rezyklierbarkeit, der Möglichkeit der Verbrennung und der Ablagerung eingeordnet. Die Fügungen werden nach ihrer Lösbarkeit sowie der Verwertungsverträglichkeit der Materialpaarungen bewertet. Die Konstruktionen werden in Fügematrizen überführt und die Bewertungs aspekte individuell und integriert ausgewertet. Sie werden hinsichtlich ihrer Rezyklierbarkeit (Modularität und Verwertungskompatibilität) eingeordnet. Zur möglichen Erweiterung der Methode werden weitere Bewertungsaspekte diskutiert. Die Methode wurde in einem Modellierungswerkzeug implementiert und wird hier anhand von vier praxisrelevanten Außenwandaufbauten demonstriert und beschrieben.
Further evidence for deletions in 7p14.1 contributing to nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: Klamt Johanna , Hofmann Andrea , Böhmer Anne C. , Hoebel Ann‐Kathrin , Gölz Lina , Becker Jessica , Zink Alexander M. , Draaken Markus , Hemprich Alexander , Scheer Martin , Schmidt Gül , Martini Markus , Knapp Michael , Mangold Elisabeth , Degenhardt Franziska , Ludwig Kerstin U.
Published: July 2016

Background

Nonsyndromic cleft with or without cleft palate (nsCL/P) is a common birth defect. Although genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous risk variants, a considerable fraction of the genetic heritability remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to replicate a previous finding that de novo deletions in a 62 kb region of chromosome 7p14 are a risk factor for nsCL/P, using an independent cohort.

Methods

Data from a published case–control GWAS cohort of 399 patients and 1318 controls were used. Copy number variant (CNV) detection in the 62 kb candidate region of 7p14 was performed using QuantiSNP. Putative CNVs in probands were verified and validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Segregation analyses were performed in family members for whom DNA was available.

Results

Within the 62 kb candidate region, a deletion of 7.4 kb showed association with nsCL/P (13/387 cases, 20/1300 controls, plowest = 0.024, odds ratio = 2.22). In all families with a sporadic case (n = 3), the deletion occurred de novo. In multiplex families, both incomplete segregation and incomplete penetrance were observed.

Conclusion

The present data support the hypothesis that deletions at 7p14 are a common risk factor for nsCL/P. Genome‐wide CNV analyses in nsCL/P cohorts are warranted to explore the functional relevance of these deletions and their contribution to nsCL/P, and to determine exact breakpoints. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:767–772, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CBT reduces CBF: cognitive‐behavioral therapy reduces cerebral blood flow in fear‐relevant brain regions in spider phobia
Authors: Soravia Leila M. , Orosz Ariane , Schwab Simon , Nakataki Masahito , Wiest Roland , Federspiel Andrea
Published: July 2016

Background

Imaging studies have provided evidence that cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) is able to change brain activation in phobic patients in response to threatening stimuli. The changes occurred in both emotion‐generating and modulatory regions. In this study, we use a data‐driven approach to explore resting state cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured by arterial spin labeling (ASL), before and after CBT.

Methods

Eight female patients with spider phobia were scanned before and 1 month after an exposure‐based group therapy for spider phobia. Each MRI session consisted of an ASL resting state measurement acquired before and after a symptom provocation task involving the showing of spider pictures in the scanner. The first ASL acquisition measured anticipatory anxiety and the second measured postprocessing of phobia‐relevant stimuli.

Results

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy significantly reduced spider phobic symptoms in all patients. Symptom reduction during anticipatory anxiety was accompanied by reduced bilateral CBF in the parahippocampal gyrus, ventral anterior thalamus, Brodmann area 8, and the anterior cingulate cortex. During postprocessing of phobia‐relevant stimuli, patients showed reduced CBF in the bilateral insula, components of the motor cortex, and areas associated with language functions.

Conclusions

Longitudinal CBF dynamics following CBT were in concordance with results from several studies using BOLD fMRI to investigate the effects of psychotherapy on brain activity. CBF can be quantified by ASL, with the principal advantage of sensitivity to slow variations in neural activity and task independence. Therefore, ASL may be a suitable method for monitoring and evaluating the efficacy of psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy approaches.
Epidemiology of persistent iatrogenic spinal cord injuries in Western Norway
Authors: Æsøy Mathias S. , Solvang Stein‐Erik H. , Grønning Marit , Rekand Tiina
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Iatrogenic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) caused by invasive procedures or surgical interventions have previously been reported as case studies. The primary objective of this study was to investigate and analyze the incidence, etiology, and prognosis of iatrogenic SCI in Western Norway.

Methods

Medical records of all 183 patients admitted to the SCU between 01.01.2004 and 31.12.2013 were reviewed. Gender, age, diagnosis, iatrogenic medical procedure, symptoms and findings before and after injury, mechanism of injury, level of injury, and ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) score prior iatrogenic SCI, at admittance and discharge were recorded, as were the length of the period prior to admittance and the length of stay.

Results

Twenty‐three (12.5%; 14 men, nine women) of 183 patients met the criteria for iatrogenic SCI. The annual incidence rate was estimated 2,3 per 1,000,000 (SD ±1.0). Mean age at iatrogenic SCI was 55.5 years (range 16–79 years). Intervention for cervical spinal stenosis was the leading cause of iatrogenic SCI, followed by operations on the aorta and spine. Iatrogenic SCIs was most frequently located on the thoracic level. The patients suffered from clinical incomplete injuries (AIS score C and D) both at admittance and discharge from the SCU. Most patients improved, but no patient recovered completely after SCI.

Conclusion

Although the annual incidence rate of iatrogenic SCI is low in Norway, individual consequences are serious. Increased awareness of the causes of SCI may decrease the risk of iatrogenic SCI.
Blood concentrations of carotenoids and retinol and lung cancer risk: an update of the WCRF–AICR systematic review of published prospective studies
Authors: Abar Leila , Vieira Ana Rita , Aune Dagfinn , Stevens Christophe , Vingeliene Snieguole , Navarro Rosenblatt Deborah A. , Chan Doris , Greenwood Darren C. , Norat Teresa
Published: July 2016

Carotenoids and retinol are considered biomarkers of fruits and vegetables intake, and are of much interest because of their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, there is inconsistent evidence regarding their protective effects against lung cancer. We conducted a meta‐analysis of prospective studies of blood concentrations of carotenoids and retinol, and lung cancer risk. We identified relevant prospective studies published up to December 2014 by searching the PubMed and several other databases. We calculated summary estimates of lung cancer risk for the highest compared with lowest carotenoid and retinol concentrations and dose–response meta‐analyses using random effects models. We used fractional polynomial models to assess potential nonlinear relationships. Seventeen prospective studies (18 publications) including 3603 cases and 458,434 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. Blood concentrations of α‐carotene, β‐carotene, total carotenoids, and retinol were significantly inversely associated with lung cancer risk or mortality. The summary relative risk were 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.80) per 5 μg/100 mL of α‐carotene (studies [n] = 5), 0.84 (95% CI: 0.76–0.94) per 20 μg/100 mL of β‐carotene (n = 9), 0.66 (95% CI: 0.54–0.81) per 100 μg/100 mL of total carotenoids (n = 4), and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73–0.90) per 70 μg/100 mL of retinol (n = 8). In stratified analysis by sex, the significant inverse associations for β‐carotene and retinol were observed only in men and not in women. Nonlinear associations were observed for β‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin, and lycopene, with stronger associations observed at lower concentrations. There were not enough data to conduct stratified analyses by smoking. In conclusion, higher blood concentrations of several carotenoids and retinol are associated with reduced lung cancer risk. Further studies in never and former smokers are needed to rule out confounding by smoking.
Generation of New Complestatin Analogues by Heterologous Expression of the Complestatin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster from Streptomyces chartreusis AN1542
Authors: Park Ok‐Kyung , Choi Ha‐Young , Kim Geon‐Woo , Kim Won‐Gon
Published: July 2016

The heterologous expression of the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of natural products enables the production of complex metabolites in a well‐characterized host, and facilitates the generation of novel analogues by the manipulation of the genes. However, the BGCs of glycopeptides such as vancomycin, teicoplanin, and complestatin are usually too large to be directly cloned into a single cosmid. Here, we describe the heterologous expression of the complestatin BGC. The 54.5 kb cluster was fully reconstituted from two overlapping cosmids into one cosmid by λ‐RED recombination‐mediated assembly. Heterologous expression of the assembled gene cluster in Streptomyces lividans TK24 resulted in the production of complestatin. Deletion of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase genes (open reading frames 10 and 11) and heterologous expression of the modified clusters led to the production of two new monocyclic and linear derivatives, complestatins M55 and S56.
ChemInform Abstract: Stability and Bonding of the Multiply Coordinated Bimetallic Boron Cycles: B8M22‐, B7NM2 and B6C2M2 with M: Sc and Ti
Authors: Pham Hung Tan , Tam Nguyen Minh , Pham‐Ho My Phuong , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: July 2016

DFT calculations
ChemInform Abstract: Structural and Vibrational Properties of Phase‐Pure Monoclinic NdLuO3 Interlanthanides Synthesized from Nanostructured Precursors.
Authors: Soares Julia C. , Siqueira Kisla P. F. , Moreira Roberto L. , Dias Anderson
Published: July 2016

Phase‐pure monoclinic NdLuO3 is prepared by hydrothermal reaction of an alkaline (pH <13) solution of Nd(NO3)3 and Lu(NO3)3 (autoclave, 250 °C, 24 h) resulting in the nanocrystalline precursors LuO(OH) and Nd(OH)3 which are further calcined, compressed, and sintered in air (1600 °C, 8 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Na4Ni7(AsO4)6.
Authors: David Renald
Published: July 2016

Single crystals of Na4Ni7(AsO4)6 are prepared by annealing a stoichiometric mixture of Na2CO3, As2O3, and NiSO4·6H2O (Al2O3 boat, 1.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure, Long Persistent Luminescent Properties and Mechanism of a Novel Efficient Red Emitting Ca2Ga2GeO7:Pr3+ Phosphor.
Authors: Zou Zehua , Cao Cheng , Zhang Teng , Feng Lin , Zhang Jiachi , Ci Zhipeng , Zhang Zhiya , Wang Yuhua
Published: July 2016

Ca2Ga2GeO7: Pr3+ (0.1%) is prepared by sintering stoichiometric amounts of CaCO3, Ga2O3, GeO2, and Pr6O11 in air (Al2O3, crucible, 1300 °C, 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: ZnSb Polymorphs with Improved Thermoelectric Properties.
Authors: Amsler Maximilian , Goedecker Stefan , Zeier Wolfgang G. , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Wolverton Chris , Chaput Laurent
Published: July 2016

Novel ZnSb polymorphs with improved thermoelectric (TE) properties are discovered by a systematic ab initio structural search based on DFT calculations revealing the glass‐like energy landscape and polymorphism of the system.
ChemInform Abstract: Thermoelectric Properties of YbCd2Sb2 Doped by Mg.
Authors: Cao Qigao , Zheng Jing , Zhang Ke , Ma Guang
Published: July 2016

p‐Type YbCd2‐xMgxSb2 (x = 0.1—0.8) Zintl phases are prepared by melting and annealing the elements (carbon crucible in evacuated quartz tube, 1.
ChemInform Abstract: Mn2MnReO6: Synthesis and Magnetic Structure Determination of a New Transition‐Metal‐Only Double Perovskite Canted Antiferromagnet.
Authors: Greenblatt Martha , et al.
Published: July 2016

Polycrystalline Mn2MnReO6 is prepared by hot press sintering of stoichiometric mixtures of MnO and ReO3 (Pt capsule in multianvil press, 1673 K, 5 GPa, 1 h; decompression over 8—12 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Detailed Investigation of a NaTi2(PO4)3 Anode Prepared by Pyro‐Synthesis for Na‐Ion Batteries.
Authors: Niu Yubin , Xu Maowen , Zhang Yan , Han Jin , Wang Yan , Li Chang Ming
Published: July 2016

Carbon‐coated NaTi2(PO4)3 nanoparticles are prepared by self‐extinguishable combustion of an ethylene glycol solution containing a 1:3 molar mixture of Na(OAc) and H3PO4 to which Ti(OBu)4 is given dropwise.