bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional 3‐D ionospheric electron density specification on the basis of data assimilation of ground‐based GNSS and radio occultation data
Authors: Aa Ercha , Liu Siqing , Huang Wengeng , Shi Liqin , Gong Jiancun , Chen Yanhong , Shen Hua , Li Jianyong
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a regional 3‐D ionospheric electron density specification over China and adjacent areas (70°E–140°E in longitude, 15°N–55°N in latitude, and 100–900 km in altitude) is developed on the basis of data assimilation technique. The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) is used as a background model, and a three‐dimensional variational technique is used to assimilate both the ground‐based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and International GNSS Service (IGS) and the ionospheric radio occultation (RO) data from FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC (F3/C) satellites. The regional 3‐D gridded ionospheric electron densities can be generated with temporal resolution of 5 min in universal time, horizontal resolution of 2° × 2° in latitude and longitude, and vertical resolution of 20 km between 100 and 500 km and 50 km between 500 and 900 km. The data assimilation results are validated through extensive comparison with several sources of electron density information, including (1) ionospheric total electron content (TEC); (2) Abel‐retrieved F3/C electron density profiles (EDPs); (3) ionosonde foF2 and bottomside EDPs; and (4) the Utah State University Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Measurements (USU‐GAIM) under both geomagnetic quiet and disturbed conditions. The validation results show that the data assimilation procedure pushes the climatological IRI model toward the observation, and a general accuracy improvement of 15–30% can be expected. Thecomparisons also indicate that the data assimilation results are more close to the Center for Orbit Determination of Europe (CODE) TEC and Madrigal TEC products than USU‐GAIM. These initial results might demonstrate the effectiveness of the data assimilation technique in improving specification of local ionospheric morphology.
Total Syntheses of Periconiasins A–E
Authors: Tian Chong , Lei Xiaoqiang , Wang Yuanhao , Dong Zhen , Liu Gang , Tang Yefeng
Published: June 2016

The first and collective total syntheses of periconiasins A–E, a group of naturally occurring cytochalasans, were achieved by a series of rationally designed or bioinspired transformations. Salient features of the syntheses include a tandem aldol condensation/Grob fragmentation to assemble the linear polyketide–amino acid hybrid precursor, a Diels–Alder macrocylization to construct the 9/6/5 tricyclic core of periconiasins A–C, and a transannular carbonyl–ene reaction to forge the polycyclic framework of periconiasins D and E.
Effects of xylitol dehydrogenase (XYL2) on xylose fermentation by engineered Candida glycerinogenes
Authors: Zong Hong , Zhang Cheng , Zhuge Bin , Lu Xinyao , Fang Huiying , Sun Jin
Published: June 2016

Efficient bioconversion of d‐xylose into various biochemicals is critical for lignocelluloses application. Candida glycerinogenes, expressing the xylitol dehydrogenase (XYL2) gene, has the ability to produce glycerol from xylose entered into pentose phosphate pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that low expression levels of the XYL2 gene derived from Scheffersomyces stipitis in C. glycerinogenes is a major bottleneck in efficient xylose fermentation. Through a metabolic engineering approach using an integrative expression, XYL2 was identified as an overexpression target for improving xylose metabolism. Two recombinant strains with XYL2 overexpression were constructed to ferment a mixture of glucose and xylose simultaneously in batch fermentation. Compared with C. glycerinogenes (wild type), glycerol production from xylose by C. glycerinogenes (PURGAPX2) and C. glycerinogenes (PURGPDX2) was increased by 94.5% and 103.3%, respectively. It was also found that additional overexpression of XYL2 under the control of strong promoters in a xylose‐fermenting strain not only reduced xylitol accumulation but also increased glycerol yields. As the expression levels of XYL2 increased, the glycerol yields gradually improved from 30.6 to 63.3 g/L, whereas the xylitol yields significantly decreased from 38.7 to 19.9 g/L. These results suggest that strong expression of XYL2 is a necessary condition for developing efficient xylose‐fermenting strains.
Effect of cold ischaemia time on outcome after living donor renal transplantation
Authors: Nath J , Hodson J , Canbilen S W , Al Shakarchi J , Inston N G , Sharif A , Ready A R
Published: June 2016

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cold ischaemia time (CIT) on living donor kidney transplant recipients in a large national data set.

Methods

Data from the National Health Service Blood and Transplant and UK Renal Registry databases for all patients receiving a living donor kidney transplant in the UK between January 2001 and December 2014 were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups depending on CIT (less than 2 h, 2–4 h, 4–8 h). Risk-adjusted outcomes were assessed by multivariable analysis adjusting for discordance in both donor and recipient characteristics.

Results

Outcomes of 9156 transplants were analysed (CIT less than 2 h in 2662, 2–4 h in 4652, and 4–8 h in 1842). After adjusting for confounders, there was no significant difference in patient survival between CIT groups. Recipients of kidneys with a CIT of 4–8 h had excellent graft outcomes, although these were slightly inferior to outcomes in those with a CIT of less than 2 h, with risk-adjusted rates of delayed graft function of 8·6 versus 4·3 per cent, and 1-year graft survival rates of 96·2 versus 97·1 per cent, respectively.

Conclusion

The detrimental effect of prolonging CIT for up to 8 h in living donation kidney transplantation is marginal.
Prognostic value of preoperative von Willebrand factor plasma levels in patients with Glioblastoma
Authors: Marfia Giovanni , Navone Stefania Elena , Fanizzi Claudia , Tabano Silvia , Pesenti Chiara , Abdel Hadi Loubna , Franzini Andrea , Caroli Manuela , Miozzo Monica , Riboni Laura , Rampini Paolo , Campanella Rolando
Published: May 2016

Circulating biomarker for malignant gliomas could improve both differential diagnosis and clinical management of brain tumor patients. Among all gliomas, glioblastoma (GBM) is considered the most hypervascularized tumor with activation of multiple proangiogenic signaling pathways that enhance tumor growth. To investigate whether preoperative antigen plasma level of von Willebrand Factor (VWF:Ag) might be possible marker for GBM onset, progression, and prognosis, we retrospectively examined 57 patients with histological diagnosis for GBM and 23 meningiomas (MNGs), benign intracranial expansive lesions, enrolled as controls. Blood samples were collected from all the patients before tumor resection. Plasma von Willebrand Factor (VWF):Ag levels were determined by using a latex particle‐enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. The median levels of vWF:Ag were significantly higher in GBMs than in meningiomas (MNGs) (183 vs. 133 IU/dL, P = 0.01). The cumulative 1‐year survival was significantly shorter in patients with VWF:Ag levels >200 IU/dL than in those with levels <200 IU/dL and increased VWF levels were associated with a threefold higher risk of death in GBM patients. Our data suggest that VWF:Ag could be a circulating biomarker of disease malignancy, that could be considered, in association with other genetic and epigenetic factors, currently available in the GBM management. Future studies should investigate whether plasma VWF:Ag levels could also be used to monitor therapeutic effects and whether it may have a prognostic value.
Late prostatic metastasis of an uveal melanoma in a miniature Schnauzer dog
Authors: Delgado Esmeralda , Silva João X. , Pissarra Hugo , Peleteiro Maria C. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: May 2016

Key Clinical Message

This manuscript describes a previously unreported clinical case of canine uveal melanoma in a miniature Schnauzer dog with an unusual location of metastasis (prostate) and delayed occurrence (3 years after primary tumor diagnosis and enucleation). Immunohistochemical labeling of both tumors with Melan A, Ki‐67, and c‐kit added some valuable information.
Infusing Career Development to Strengthen Middle School English Language Arts Curricula
Authors: Lapan Richard T. , Marcotte Amanda M. , Storey Robert , Carbone Patricia , Loehr‐Lapan Sharon , Guerin Donna , Thomas Teisha , Cuffee‐Grey Deidre , Coburn Aria , Pfeiffer Teresa , Wilson Latoya , Mahoney Stephen
Published: June 2016

An approach is presented for strengthening middle school standards‐based English language arts (ELA) classroom instruction by infusing theory‐ and research‐supported career development constructs and practices. Over an 8‐week period, 90 urban 7th graders participated in an integrated ELA–career development curriculum. Career agency emerged as an important construct for students. It was related to key markers of ELA achievement (i.e., standardized test scores, grades, and positive change in 6th‐ to 7th‐grade test scores) and elaborated on in nuanced ways by students in their written narratives. Four themes related to career agency were identified in student writings: time perspective, challenges of self‐direction, career development, and social and emotional development. Advantages for students and schools related to synergy, scale, and sustainability are discussed.
Predicting End‐of‐Career Transitions for Baby Boomers Nearing Retirement Age
Authors: Boveda Ingrid , Metz A. J.
Published: June 2016

Retirement has traditionally been conceptualized as a point‐in‐time decision to physically and psychologically withdraw from the workforce on reaching a certain age. However, the expectations of older workers demonstrate a new retirement paradigm, with many more retirement trajectories. The purpose of this study was to examine actual career decisions being made by older workers and to understand sociodemographic factors that might differentiate their career trajectories. Data from the Health and Retirement Study (Juster & Suzman, ) were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression to compare 4 retirement trajectories (i.e., no retirement, full retirement, bridge employment, and encore career). Gender, age, education, marital status, health, and wealth differentially predicted the odds of pursuing each of the 4 retirement decisions. Career practitioners may use these results to help baby boomers make retirement decisions and provide them with appropriate education, guidance, and resources. Additional research is needed to examine other factors salient to each of the retirement trajectories.
Occupational Engagement and Academic Major Satisfaction: Vocational Identity's Mediating Role
Authors: Cox Daniel W. , Bjornsen Abby L. , Krieshok Thomas S. , Liu Yan
Published: June 2016

This study examined vocational identity as a mediator of the relationship between occupational engagement (i.e., participation in a breadth of activities and interactions) and academic major satisfaction. Furthermore, the authors evaluated whether satisfaction with academic major related to academic success (i.e., grade point average). The mediational model was tested in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 215). Results indicated that occupational engagement significantly predicted academic major satisfaction and that vocational identity fully mediated that relationship. These findings support occupational engagement as an important contributor to adaptive career decision making and encourage research on occupational engagement as an intervention point for career counselors.
Effect of Brief Staff‐Assisted Career Service Delivery on Drop‐In Clients
Authors: Osborn Debra S. , Hayden Seth W. , Peterson Gary W. , Sampson James P.
Published: June 2016

Brief staff‐assisted career counseling services based on cognitive information processing theory were evaluated using 138 drop‐in clients who completed pre‐ and postintervention self‐report measures of knowledge about next steps, confidence in making next steps, and anxiety about career concerns. Significant changes occurred in each dimension and were significantly associated with the quality of career adviser interaction. Participants rated the experience as highly positive. Decreases in anxiety about career concerns were unrelated to the intervention. Implications include that a brief service delivery model yields positive outcomes for many clients but requires adjustments in organizational culture, physical environment, practitioner approaches, and client expectations. Future research should examine relational variables related to decreased anxiety with a brief service delivery model, the degree to which this approach works with specific career needs, and client attributes leading to successful versus unsuccessful outcomes with this model.
In Vitro Selection of Chromium‐Dependent DNAzymes for Sensing Chromium(III) and Chromium(VI)
Authors: Zhou Wenhu , Vazin Mahsa , Yu Tianmeng , Ding Jinsong , Liu Juewen
Published: June 2016

Chromium is a very important analyte for environmental monitoring, and developing biosensors for chromium is a long‐standing analytical challenge. In this work, in vitro selection of RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes was carried out in the presence of Cr3+. The most active DNAzyme turned out to be the previously reported lanthanide‐dependent Ce13d DNAzyme. Although the Ce13d activity was about 150‐fold lower with Cr3+ than that with lanthanides, the activity of lanthanides and other competing metals was masked by using a phosphate buffer; this left Cr3+ as the only metal that could activate Ce13d. With 100 μm Cr3+, the cleavage rate is 1.6 h−1 at pH 6. By using a molecular beacon design, Cr3+ was measured with a detection limit of 70 nm, which was significantly lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit (11 μm). Cr4+ was measured after reduction by NaBH4 to Cr3+, and it could be sensed with a similar detection limit of 140 nm Cr4+; this value was lower than the EPA limit of 300 nm. This sensor was tested for chromium speciation analysis in a real sample, and the results supported its application for environmental monitoring. At the same time, it has enhanced our understanding of the interactions between chromium and DNA.
Transition from a Metal‐Localized Mixed‐Valence Compound to a Fully Delocalized and Bridge‐Biased Electrophore in a Ruthenium–Amine–Ruthenium Tricenter System
Authors: Tang Jian‐Hong , Shao Jiang‐Yang , He Yan‐Qin , Wu Si‐Hai , Yao Jiannian , Zhong Yu‐Wu
Published: June 2016

A series of cyclometalated diruthenium complexes with a redox‐active amine bridge were synthesized. Depending on the terminal ligands of the ruthenium components and the substituent on the amine unit, the one‐electron‐oxidized state can be either in the form of a weakly or strongly coupled mixed‐valence diruthenium complex, a fully charge‐delocalized three‐center system, or a bridge‐biased electrophore. This transition among different electronic forms was supported by electrochemistry, near‐infrared absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, and density functional theory analysis.
Optical Activity Governed by Local Chiral Structures in Two‐Dimensional Curved Metallic Nanostructures
Authors: Narushima Tetsuya , Hashiyada Shun , Okamoto Hiromi
Published: June 2016

Chiral nanostructures show macroscopic optical activity. Local optical activity and its handedness are not uniform in the nanostructure, and are spatially distributed depending on the shape of the nanostructure. In this study we fabricated curved chain nanostructures made of gold by connecting linearly two or more arc structures in a two‐dimensional plane. Spatial features of local optical activity in the chain structures were evaluated with near‐field circular dichroism (CD) imaging, and analyzed with the aid of classical electromagnetic simulation. The electromagnetic simulation predicted that local optical activity appears at inflection points where arc structures are connected. The handedness of the local optical activity was dependent on the handedness of the local chirality at the inflection point. Chiral chain structures have odd inflection points and the local optical activity distributed symmetrically with respect to structural centers. In contrast, achiral chain structures have even inflection points and showed antisymmetric distribution. In the near‐field CD images of fabricated chain nanostructures, the symmetric and antisymmetric distributions of local CD were observed for chiral and achiral chain structures, respectively, consistent with the simulated results. The handedness of the local optical activity was found to be determined by the handedness of the inflection point, for the fabricated chain structures having two or more inflection points. The local optical activity was thus governed primarily by the local chirality of the inflection points for the gold chain structures. The total effect of all the inflection points in the chain structure is considered to be a predominant factor that determines the macroscopic optical activity. Chirality 28:540–544, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bor baut Brücken
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: June 2016

Kohlenstoff, Stickstoff und Sauerstoff können unkonventionelle Wasserstoffbrücken mit den pi‐Elektronen eines aromatischen Rings bilden. Jetzt wurde eine solche Brücke überraschenderweise auch für Bor nachgewiesen.
An intelligent system for fashion colour prediction based on fuzzy C‐means and gray theory
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Wen , Lee Chu‐Hsuan , Chen Rong‐Qi , Yen Chih‐Huang
Published: June 2016

For design and manufacturing industries, to be able to capture the fashion trend is an essential factor that leads to winning a sale. However, colour predicting process in many organizations is not visible to the public. In order to provide colour trend to industries in advance, a predicting method is proposed in this study. In the method, the fuzzy c‐means was used to separate the collected colour data, then the minimum mean‐square error was used to place the similar colour clusters within different time point together and the gray model was adopted for prediction. In order to verify the prognostication of the system, four data announced by Pantone from spring 2014 to fall, 2015 were taken as the predicted samples and the colour for spring 2016 was predicted to compare with that in Pantone spring, 2016. The results show that the system has a high accuracy for predicting colour. The residual modified model constructed with the colour samples rearranged with MMSE has the best‐predicted result that ranged from 83.3% to 99.4%. It indicates that the result obtained with the rearranged samples is higher than that without rearrangement. Besides, the accuracy of the gray predicted results with residual modification would be more precise than the one without residual modification. Moreover, the value of mean squared error is quite low, which was ranged from 0.000025 to 0.0277. Therefore, the current intelligent predicting system satisfies the criteria of capturing colour in trend for enterprises. Moreover, it enables industries to make decisions for selecting the colour trend. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 273–285, 2017
Use of In Situ Proximity Ligation Assays for Systems Analysis of Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Chi , Huang Chi‐Ying F.
Published: June 2016

Understanding signaling pathway networks via protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) at the cellular level is a significant task that has not yet been completed. Here, a systems approach that computationally infers interlinked pathways from numerous PPIs is described. The endogenous PPIs can be empirically detected using an in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA), which detects and visualizes endogenous PPIs and post‐translational modifications of proteins with a high sensitivity and specificity. This unit includes two parts: (1) conversion of gene lists into PPIs for investigation and (2) large‐scale detection and analysis of endogenous PPIs for elucidating pathway networks. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Influence of Divalent Anions on the Rectification Properties of Nanofluidic Diodes: Insights from Experiments and Theoretical Simulations
Authors: Pérez‐Mitta Gonzalo , Albesa Alberto G. , Toimil Molares María Eugenia , Trautmann Christina , Azzaroni Omar
Published: June 2016

During the last decade, the possibility of generating synthetic nanoarchitectures with functionalities comparable to biological entities has sparked the interest of the scientific community related to diverse research fields. In this context, gaining fundamental understanding of the central features that determine the rectifying characteristics of the conical nanopores is of mandatory importance. In this work, we analyze the influence of mono‐ and divalent salts in the ionic current transported by asymmetric nanopores and focus on the delicate interplay between ion exclusion and charge screening effects that govern the functional response of the nanofluidic device. Experiments were performed using KCl and K2SO4 as representative species of singly and doubly charged species. Results showed that higher currents and rectification efficiencies are achieved by doubly charged salts. In order to understand the physicochemical processes underlying these effects simulations using the Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck formalism were performed. We consider that our theoretical and experimental account of the effect of divalent anions in the functional response of nanofluidic diodes provides further insights into the critical role of electrostatic interactions (ion exclusion versus charge screening effects) in presetting the ionic selectivity to anions as well as the observed rectification properties of these chemical nanodevices.
Development of a Representative Mouse Model with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Verbeek Jef , Jacobs Ans , Spincemaille Pieter , Cassiman David
Published: June 2016

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease in the Western world. It represents a disease spectrum ranging from isolated steatosis to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In particular, NASH can evolve to fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. The development of novel treatment strategies is hampered by the lack of representative NASH mouse models. Here, we describe a NASH mouse model, which is based on feeding non–genetically manipulated C57BL6/J mice a ‘Western style’ high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet (HF‐HSD). HF‐HSD leads to early obesity, insulin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia. After 12 weeks of HF‐HSD, all mice exhibit the complete spectrum of features of NASH, including steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and lobular inflammation, together with fibrosis in the majority of mice. Hence, this model closely mimics the human disease. Implementation of this mouse model will lead to a standardized setup for the evaluation of (i) underlying mechanisms that contribute to the progression of NAFLD to NASH, and (ii) therapeutic interventions for NASH. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Simple, High‐Yield Syntheses of DNA Duplexes Containing Interstrand DNA‐DNA Cross‐Links Between an N4‐Aminocytidine Residue and an Abasic Site
Authors: Gamboa Varela Jacqueline , Gates Kent S.
Published: June 2016

The protocol describes the preparation and purification of interstrand DNA‐DNA cross‐links derived from the reaction of an N
4‐aminocytidine residue with an abasic site in duplex DNA. The procedures employ inexpensive, commercially available chemicals and enzymes to carry out post‐synthetic modification of commercially available oligodeoxynucleotides. The yield of cross‐linked duplex is typically better than 90%. If purification is required, the cross‐linked duplex can be readily separated from single‐stranded DNA starting materials by denaturing gel electrophoresis. The resulting covalent hydrazone‐based cross‐links are stable under physiologically relevant conditions and may be useful for biophysical studies, structural analyses, DNA repair studies, and materials science applications. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Crumpled ZnMn2O4 Nanosheets for Long‐Term‐Cycling Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Gu Shaozhen , Xu Jing , Lu Bingan
Published: June 2016

Crumpled zinc manganate nanosheets (ZnMn2O4 NSs) have been synthesized by electrospinning and used as anode material for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries. The crumpled ZnMn2O4 NSs exhibit a reversible capacity of 461 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 even after 500 cycles, excellent rate capability, and long cycling stability (almost no capacity degradation after the 20th cycle). The excellent electrochemical performance may be mainly attributed to the novel crumpled nanostructure of the ZnMn2O4, which provides reduced diffusion length for the transport of Li+ ions as well as mechanical buffer space to accommodate the volume variation during Li+ insertion/extraction. The formation mechanism of electrospun crumpled ZnMn2O4 NSs is further discussed in detail.
Microglia are less pro‐inflammatory than myeloid infiltrates in the hippocampus of mice exposed to status epilepticus
Authors: Vinet Jonathan , Vainchtein Ilia D. , Spano Carlotta , Giordano Carmela , Bordini Domenico , Curia Giulia , Dominici Massimo , Boddeke Hendrikus W. G. M. , Eggen Bart J. L. , Biagini Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

Activated microglia, astrogliosis, expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, blood brain barrier (BBB) leakage and peripheral immune cell infiltration are features of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Numerous studies correlated the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines with the activated morphology of microglia, attributing them a pro‐epileptogenic role. However, microglia and myeloid cells such as macrophages have always been difficult to distinguish due to an overlap in expressed cell surface molecules. Thus, the detrimental role in epilepsy that is attributed to microglia might be shared with myeloid infiltrates. Here, we used a FACS‐based approach to discriminate between microglia and myeloid infiltrates isolated from the hippocampus 24 h and 96 h after status epilepticus (SE) in pilocarpine‐treated CD1 mice. We observed that microglia do not express MHCII whereas myeloid infiltrates express high levels of MHCII and CD40 96 h after SE. This antigen‐presenting cell phenotype correlated with the presence of CD4pos T cells. Moreover, microglia only expressed TNFα 24 h after SE while myeloid infiltrates expressed high levels of IL‐1β and TNFα. Immunofluorescence showed that astrocytes but not microglia expressed IL‐1β. Myeloid infiltrates also expressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)−9 and 12 while microglia only expressed MMP‐12, suggesting the involvement of both cell types in the BBB leakage that follows SE. Finally, both cell types expressed the phagocytosis receptor Axl, pointing to phagocytosis of apoptotic cells as one of the main functions of microglia. Our data suggests that, during early epileptogenesis, microglia from the hippocampus remain rather immune supressed whereas myeloid infiltrates display a strong inflammatory profile. GLIA 2016 GLIA 2016;64:1350–1362
Developing Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: The Need for Deliberate Practice and Collaboration Across Disciplines
Authors: Allen Scott J. , Shankman Marcy Levy , Haber‐Curran Paige
Published: June 2016

This chapter continues the discussion of what leadership education is and highlights the importance of emotionally intelligent leadership. The authors assert the need for deliberate practice and better collaboration between student affairs, academic affairs, and academic departments to develop emotionally intelligent leaders.
Classification of Risks of Occupational Low Back Disorders with Support Vector Machines
Authors: Erdem Mehmet , Boran Fatih Emre , Akay Diyar
Published: June 2016

Though technology has shown a rapid development, manual material handling (MMH) tasks are still usual activities in most industries. According to recent surveys, MMH tasks remain one of the main reasons for the emergence of occupational low back disorders (LBDs). It is critical to be able to discriminate as accurately as possible between MMH jobs that place workers at high versus low risk of LBDs. In this study, the risk of occupational LBDs has been classified by support vector machines (SVMs) considering both trunk motion variables and workplace variables, which have been extensively used to identify risk of LBDs. The LBDs‐SVM model has outperformed the existing models in terms of accuracy, which is equal to 88.5% for correct classification of high risk when 10‐cross validation is applied. In other words, the proposed model has correctly classified an average of 29.2 cases out of 33 high‐risk cases, which is critical to be determined compared to low‐risk cases. The results obtained in this study indicate that SVM is a better classifier than the other existing methods in the literature to classify LBDs risks.
Two approaches to the clinical dilemma of treating TTP with therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to plasma
Authors: Sidhu Davinder , Snyder Edward L. , Tormey Christopher A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but serious disease caused by autoantibody‐mediated deficiency in von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving protease, ADAMTS‐13. The primary acute treatment is therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). However, some patients can develop allergic/anaphylactic reactions to the replacement (i.e., donor) plasma over time. Two potential treatment strategies for patients with TTP who demonstrate severe allergic reactions to plasma used for exchange were examined.

Methods

Two patients with TTP exacerbations who developed severe allergic reactions to donor plasma were identified. One patient's TPE was re‐initiated with Octaplas, a lot‐batched solvent and detergent treated, type‐specific, pooled donor plasma product. The other patient was exchanged with primarily albumin, followed by slow incremental exposures to donor plasma to mitigate exposures and allergic risks. Both patients were assessed for anaphylaxis. Results: Both treatment strategies were successful in preventing any further clinically significant allergic/anaphylactic reactions and facilitated both patients’ TTP remissions.

Conclusions

Based on our experience with two similar patients with TTP exacerbations and history of anaphylactic reactions to plasma during TPE, we have identified two possible treatment protocols to achieve remission in this clinical dilemma. Substituting Octaplas for standard plasma or, alternatively, using albumin with slowly increasing amounts of standard plasma may help to mitigate the risk of further anaphylactic adverse events. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:158–162, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
17β‐Estradiol Protects Skeletal Myoblasts From Apoptosis Through p53, Bcl‐2, and FoxO Families
Authors: La Colla Anabela , Vasconsuelo Andrea , Milanesi Lorena , Pronsato Lucía
Published: June 2016

17β‐Estradiol (E2) protects several nonreproductive tissues from apoptosis, including skeletal muscle. Previously, we showed that E2 at physiological concentrations prevented apoptosis induced by H2O2 in skeletal myoblasts, reverting PKCδ, JNK, and p66Shc activation and exerting a beneficial action over mitochondria. Since genomic actions underlying the regulation of nuclear gene transcription are a common property of this steroid, the present work characterizes the transcriptional activity modulated by E2 to exert its antiapoptotic effect. We report that E2 protects skeletal myoblasts against apoptosis induced by H2O2 modulating p53 and FoxO transcription factors and then their target genes Bcl‐2, Bim, Puma, PERP, and MDM2, without affecting Noxa gene. The results presented in this work support the notion that the transcription factors FoxO and p53 coordinate apoptosis in C2C12 cells, and deepens our knowledge about a putative molecular mechanism by which E2 exerts beneficial effects against oxidative stress in skeletal myoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 104–115, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Hypoxia and Hyperoxia on Growth and Expression of Hypoxia‐Related Genes and Proteins in Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus Larvae and Juveniles
Authors: Rimoldi Simona , Terova Genciana , Zaccone Giacomo , Parker Tim , Kuciel Michal , Dabrowski Konrad
Published: June 2016

We studied the molecular responses to different water oxygen levels in gills and swim bladder of spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), a bimodal breather. Fish at swim‐up stage were exposed for 71 days to normoxic, hypoxic, and hyperoxic water conditions. Then, all aquaria were switched to normoxic conditions for recovery until the end of the experiment (120 days). Fish were sampled at the beginning of the experiment, and then at 71 days of exposure and at 8 days of recovery.

We first cloned three hypoxia‐related genes, hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α (HIF‐2α), Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE‐1), and NHE‐3, and uploaded their cDNA sequences in the GeneBank database. We then used One Step Taqman® real‐time PCR to quantify the mRNA copies of target genes in gills and swim bladder of fish exposed to different water O2 levels. We also determined the protein expression of HIF‐2α and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the swim bladder by using confocal immunofluorescence.

Hypoxic stress for 71 days significantly increased the mRNA copies of HIF‐2α and NHE‐1 in gills and swim bladder, whereas normoxic recovery for 8 days decreased the HIF‐2α mRNA copies to control values in both tissues. We did not found significant changes in mRNA copies of the NHE‐3 gene in either gills or swim bladder in response to hypoxia and hyperoxia.

Unlike in normoxic swim bladder, double immunohistochemical staining in hypoxic and hyperoxic swim bladder using nNOS/HIF‐2α showed extensive bundles of HIF‐2α‐positive nerve fibers in the trabecular musculature associated with a few varicose nNOS immunoreactive nerve terminals.
Help Wanted: People With Disabilities and Recruitment Advertising
Authors: Hemphill Elizabeth , Kulik Carol T.
Published: June 2016

People with disabilities rely heavily on specialist agencies to find suitable employment. This research examines how agency consultants use recruitment ads in their work with clients. The authors analyzed the ads collected by consultants and learned that the ads were dominated by organization and job attributes. The ads contained less information about preferred applicant characteristics and selection procedures. Consultants used the ads to facilitate immediate matches between clients and employers, but they also used the ads to nudge clients in new career directions. The results reflect challenges consultants experience in balancing the long‐term needs of clients against the short‐term demands of employers.
Catabolic effects of endothelial cell‐derived microparticles on disc cells: Implications in intervertebral disc neovascularization and degeneration
Authors: Pohl Pedro H.I. , Lozito Thomas P. , Cuperman Thais , Yurube Takashi , Moon Hong J. , Ngo Kevin , Tuan Rocky S. , St. Croix Claudette , Sowa Gwendolyn A. , Rodrigues Luciano M.R. , Kang James D. , Vo Nam V.
Published: June 2016

Neovascularization of intervertebral discs, a phenomenon considered pathological since normal discs are primarily avascular structures, occurs most frequently in annulus fibrosus (AF) of degenerated discs. Endothelial cells (ECs) are involved in this process, but the mechanism of the interaction between AF and endothelial cells is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects on matrix catabolic activity of AF cells by the extracellular endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and soluble protein factors (SUP fraction) produced from ECs. Passage 1 human AF cells grown in monolayer cultures were treated for 72 h with 250 µg of EMPs or SUP fraction isolated from culture of the microvascular endothelial cell line, HEMC‐I. Live‐cell imaging revealed uptake of EMPs by AF cells. RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated increased mRNA expression of MMP‐1 (50.3‐fold), MMP‐3 (4.5‐fold) and MMP‐13 (5.5‐fold) in AF cell cultures treated with EMPs compared to untreated control. Western analysis also demonstrated increased MMP protein expression in EMP‐treated AF cells. AF cells treated with the SUP fraction also exhibited a dramatic increase in MMP mRNA and protein expression. Increased MMP expression is primarily due to EMP or SUP stimulation of AF cells since EMPs or SUP fraction alone contained negligible amount of MMPs. Interestingly, MMP activity was elevated in AF cell cultures treated with EMPs but not with SUP. This study revealed enhanced matrix catabolism as a molecular consequence of action of ECs on AF cells via EMPs, which might be expected during neo‐angiogenesis of degenerating disc. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1466–1474, 2016.
Development of a highly sensitive and specific monoclonal antibody based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of a new β‐agonist, phenylethanolamine A, in food samples
Authors: Jiang Danni , Cao Biyun , Wang Meiyu , Yang Hong , Zhao Kang , Li Jianguo , Li Mingxin , Sun Lulu , Deng Anping
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

All β‐agonists are banned as feed additives for growth promotion in animals due to toxic effects on humans after consuming the β‐agonist contaminated meats. Phenylethanolamine A (PA) is a newly emerged β‐agonist. Thus there is a need to develop highly sensitive and specific analytical methods for the detection of PA in food samples. In this study, the monoclonal antibody (mAb) against PA was produced by hybridoma technology and used for the development of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The IC50 values and limits of detection (LODs) of the ELISA using homogeneous combination of coating antigen/antibody for PA were 0.16 ng mL−1 and 0.011 ng mL−1, respectively. The cross‐reactive (CR) values of the assay with 14 structurally related β‐agonists were lower than 0.59%. Swine liver and meat samples were spiked with PA at different content and analysed by ELISA. Acceptable recovery rates of 91.40–105.51% and intra‐assay coefficients of variation of 1.56–9.92% (n = 3) were obtained. The ELISA for seven spiked samples was confirmed by LC‐MS/MS with a high correlation coefficient of 0.9881.

CONCLUSION

The proposed mAb‐based ELISA was highly sensitive and specific for PA and could be used as a quantitative/screening method for PA analysis in food samples. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Panobinostat—A Potential Treatment for Metastasized Ewing Sarcoma? A Case Report
Authors: van Maldegem Annemiek M. , Bovée Judith V. M. G. , Gelderblom Hans
Published: June 2016

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a form of primary bone cancer, with few treatment options for patients who develop relapse with an overall 5‐year survival of 13%. New treatment options are needed and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors show encouraging results in preclinical studies. Our patient developed inoperable progressive lung metastases and was treated with the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat. During 18 months of treatment, no new lesions appeared; the treatment was stopped due to progression. This clinical observation warrants further evaluation of HDAC inhibitors in ES. Combination with chemotherapy and biomarker studies could improve the therapeutic index of these classes of compounds.
Natural frequency analysis and optimal design of CNT/fiber/polymer hybrid composites plates using mori‐tanaka approach, GDQ technique, and firefly algorithm
Authors: Kamarian S. , Shakeri M. , Yas M. H.
Published: June 2016

In the present work, two main goals are followed. First, free vibrations of multiscale nanocomposite plates consist of agglomerated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), E‐glass fibers, and polymer are presented based on first‐order shear deformation theory. Mori‐Tanaka (MT) approach and fiber micromechanics are used to estimate the mechanical properties of CNT/fiber/polymer composite (CNTFPC) plate. For natural frequency analysis of the CNTFPC plate, 2‐D generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method as an efficient and accurate numerical tool is implemented to solve the governing equations. The accuracy of the MT method and GDQ technique are examined by comparing the present results with the experimental or numerical data available in the literature. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the influences of CNTs volume fraction, CNTs agglomeration, fiber volume fraction, different geometrical parameters such as the thickness‐to‐length ratio, different laminate lay‐up (cross‐ply and angle‐ply) and various boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of CNTFPC plates. As for the second goal of the paper, stacking sequence optimization of CNTFPC plates is presented to maximize the fundamental natural frequency of the structure. The search space of optimization problem is large and consequently the optimization processes becomes too much time consuming. Therefore, a biologically‐inspired meta‐heuristic algorithm called firefly algorithm that solves optimization problems without using gradient‐based information on the objective functions and the constraints is applied to obtain the best stacking sequence of CNTFPC plate. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1433–1446, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of programming strain rates on the shape‐memory performance of semicrystalline multiblock copolymers
Authors: Yan Wan , Fang Liang , Noechel Ulrich , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: June 2016

Multiblock copolymers named PCL‐PIBMD consisting of crystallizable poly(ε‐caprolactone) segments and crystallizable poly[oligo(3S‐iso‐butylmorpholine‐2,5‐dione)] segments coupled by trimethyl hexamethylene diisocyanate provide a versatile molecular architecture for achieving shape‐memory effects (SMEs) in polymers. The mechanical properties as well as the SME performance of PCL‐PIBMD can be tailored by the variation of physical parameters during programming such as deformation strain or applied temperature protocols. In this study, we explored the influence of applying different strain rates during programming on the resulting nanostructure of PCL‐PIBMD. Programming was conducted at 50 °C by elongation to εm = 50% with strain rates of 1 or 10 or 50 mm min−1. The nanostructural changes were visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements and investigated by in situ wide and small angle X‐ray scattering experiments. With increasing the strain rate, a higher degree of orientation was observed in the amorphous domains. Simultaneously the strain‐induced formation of new PIBMD crystals as well as the fragmentation of existing large PIBMD crystals occurred. The observed differences in shape fixity ratio and recovery stress of samples deformed with various strain rates can be attributed to their different nanostructures. The achieved findings can be relevant parameters for programming the shape‐memory polymers with designed recovery forces. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1935–1943
Flexible functional regression methods for estimating individualized treatment rules
Authors: Ciarleglio Adam , Petkova Eva , Tarpey Thaddeus , Ogden R. Todd
Published: June 2016

A major focus of personalized medicine is on the development of individualized treatment rules that depend upon baseline measures. Good decision rules have the potential to significantly advance patient care and reduce the burden of a host of diseases. Statistical methods for developing such rules are progressing rapidly, but few methods have considered the use of pretreatment functional data to guide decision‐making. Furthermore, those methods that do allow for the incorporation of functional pretreatment covariates typically make strong assumptions about the relationships between the functional covariates and the response of interest. We propose two approaches for using functional data to select an optimal treatment that address some of the shortcomings of previously developed methods. Specifically, we combine the flexibility of functional additive regression models with Q‐learning or A‐learning in order to obtain treatment decision rules. Properties of the corresponding estimators are discussed. Our approaches are evaluated in several realistic settings using synthetic data and are applied to data arising from a clinical trial comparing two treatments for major depressive disorder in which baseline imaging data are available for subjects who are subsequently treated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of neem wood sawdust content on properties of biodegradable thermoplastic acetylated cassava starch/neem wood sawdust composites
Authors: Prachayawarakorn Jutarat , Hanchana Areeya
Published: June 2016

Due to several important limitations for applications of thermoplastic starch (TPS), thermoplastic acetylated cassava starch (TPACS) polymer was reinforced by different contents of neem wood sawdust (SD). Thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS)/SD composites were also prepared and reinforced by different SD contents and compared with the TPACS/SD composites. Morphological, thermal, and biodegradable properties of different composites were also examined. The results showed that IR absorption bands of OH stretching and OH bending vibrations shifted to lower wavenumbers, indicating new hydrogen bond formation for all composites. Stress at maximum load and Young's modulus were significantly improved when the SD content increased for all the TPACS/SD and TPCS/SD composites; strain at maximum load was higher for the TPACS/SD composites. A decrease in water uptake was detected when the SD reinforcement was incorporated into either the TPACS or TPCS matrix.
An innovative joint connecting beam for precast concrete shear wall structures
Authors: Lu Xilin , Wang Lu , Wang Dun , Jiang Huanjun
Published: June 2016

The precast shear wall structure has outstanding features for green buildings due to its construction convenience, safety, high quality and low pollution. In general, precast concrete shear walls are connected by multiple joints. The joint between precast walls has very strong influence on the whole structure, which calls for more detailed investigation. A new kind of connection – the joint connecting beam – was developed to connect the vertical reinforcement in precast concrete shear wall structures. This innovative connecting method has the advantages of convenient operation and saving steel. To evaluate the performance and for better application of the joint connecting beam, an experiment on seven full‐scale specimens was conducted under cyclic loading, including two cast‐in‐situ walls and five precast walls with varying reinforcement and sectional heights of the joint connecting beam. A comparison was performed between cast‐in‐situ walls and precast walls with joint connecting beam, focusing on failure mode, hysteretic curve, skeleton curve, bearing capacity, ductility and energy‐dissipating capacity. The results show that the joint connecting beam can effectively transfer the load of precast walls, especially for squat precast walls. Moreover, finite element models were developed to simulate the performance of the specimens. The simulation results agree well with experimental results.
The Multimeter at the Nanoscale
Authors: Voigtländer Bert , Cherepanov Vasily , Coenen Peter
Published: June 2016

A multi‐tip scanning tunneling microscope (STM) specifically designed for charge transport measurements at the nanoscale is described. Complementing the instrument with a versatile measurement electronics creates a powerful tool to give insight into fundamental transport properties at the nanoscale. We demonstrate the capabilities of the instrument by measuring resistance profiles along freestanding GaAs nanowires, by the acquisition of nanoscale potential maps, and by the identification of an anisotropy in the surface conductivity at a silicon surface.