bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional variation in fire weather controls the reported occurrence of Scottish wildfires
Authors: Davies G. Matt , Legg Colin J. 
Published: November 2016

Fire is widely used as a traditional habitat management tool in Scotland, but wildfires pose a significant and growing threat. The financial costs of fighting wildfires are significant and severe wildfires can have substantial environmental impacts. Due to the intermittent occurrence of severe fire seasons, Scotland, and the UK as a whole, remain somewhat unprepared. Scotland currently lacks any form of Fire Danger Rating system that could inform managers and the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) of periods when there is a risk of increased of fire activity. We aimed evaluate the potential to use outputs from the Canadian Fire Weather Index system (FWI system) to forecast periods of increased fire risk and the potential for ignitions to turn into large wildfires. We collated four and a half years of wildfire data from the Scottish FRS and examined patterns in wildfire occurrence within different regions, seasons, between urban and rural locations and according to FWI system outputs. We used a variety of techniques, including Mahalanobis distances, percentile analysis and Thiel-Sen regression, to scope the best performing FWI system codes and indices. Logistic regression showed significant differences in fire activity between regions, seasons and between urban and rural locations. The Fine Fuel Moisture Code and the Initial Spread Index did a tolerable job of modelling the probability of fire occurrence but further research on fuel moisture dynamics may provide substantial improvements. Overall our results suggest it would be prudent to ready resources and avoid managed burning when FFMC > 75 and/or ISI > 2.
Tungsten Nitride‐Cobalt Anchored in N‐Doped Ordered Porous Carbon as an Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhou Yan , Xue Hairong , Wang Tao , Guo Hu , Fan Xiaoli , Song Li , Xia Wei , Gong Hao , He Yuping , Wang Junwei , He Jianping 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe prepared a non‐precious‐metal tungsten nitride‐cobalt (WN‐Co) electrocatalyst anchored in nitrogen‐doped ordered porous carbon (NOPC) through an in situ method. The WN‐Co/NOPC electrocatalyst possesses good oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) capability in alkaline media, including a high onset potential of −132 mV, a dominant four‐electron process, and a superior stability (onset potential and limiting current density were almost unchanged after 5000 cycles in 0.1 m KOH). The improved ORR performance was comparable to that of WN/NOPC and Co/NOPC with regard to three aspects: the even dispersion and uniform size of electrocatalyst particles provide more reactive sites; the nitrogen doping, high specific surface area and highly ordered mesoporous channel of catalyst support (NOPC) are conducive to the infiltration of the electrolyte; the existence of WN reinvests the catalyst with good stability, and the anchored configuration of WN and Co in the NOPC will prevent the particles from agglomerating after a long‐term cycle, thereby improving the stability of the catalyst particles.
Twenty‐five–year survival for aboriginal and caucasian children with congenital heart defects in Western Australia, 1980 to 2010
Authors: Nembhard Wendy N. , Bourke Jenny , Leonard Helen , Eckersley Luke , Li Jingyun , Bower Carol 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundAustralian Aboriginal children have increased infant and childhood mortality compared with Caucasian children, but their mortality related to congenital heart defects (CHDs) throughout life is unknown.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using data on 8,110 live born, singleton infants with CHDs born January 1980 to December 2010 from the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies. Vital status was determined from death and medical records. Data for infants with chromosomal anomalies (except Down syndrome) were excluded. Kaplan‐Meier Product‐Limit estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by Aboriginality. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were calculated from multivariable Cox‐Proportional Hazard Regression models.ResultsAboriginal children had lower survival than Caucasians for all CHDs combined but most notably during the neonatal period for functional single ventricle (50.0% vs. 86.1%; p = 0.015) and during the postneonatal period for tetralogy of Fallot (87.0% vs. 97.4%; p = 0.021) and atrioventricular septal defect (60.0% vs. 94.6%; p = 0.010). After adjusting for covariates except remoteness and socioeconomic status (SES), Aboriginal children with all CHDs combined (HR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–1.9), with transposition of the great arteries (HR = 4.3; 95% CI, 1.0–18.9) or functional single ventricle (HR = 8.6; 95% CI, 1.3–57.9) had increased risk of mortality compared with Caucasian children. When remoteness and SES were included, the risks were not statistically significant.ConclusionLong‐term survival was lower for Aboriginal children with CHDs, and Aboriginal children with specific CHD phenotypes had increased risk of mortality throughout life. Increased risk may be due to SES and environmental factors. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:1016–1031, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum uric acid levels in Parkinson's disease and related disorders
Authors: Sakuta Hideki , Suzuki Keisuke , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Miyamoto Masayuki , Numao Ayaka , Fujita Hiroaki , Watanabe Yuji , Hirata Koichi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveSerum uric acid (UA) levels are reported to be decreased in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, clinical correlates of serum UA levels are still unclear in PD‐related disorders. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to evaluate the associations between serum UA levels and disease duration, disease severity, and motor function among PD, MSA, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients.MethodsA total of 100 patients with PD, 42 patients with MSA, 30 patients with PSP, and 100 controls were included in this study. Serum UA levels were determined, and associations among serum UA levels and disease duration, disease severity, and motor function in PD, PSP, and MSA patients were evaluated.ResultsSerum UA levels were significantly lower in male PD, MSA, and PSP patients compared with the controls, but not in female patients. Serum UA levels were negatively correlated with disease duration and severity in MSA and PSP patients, but no correlations were observed in PD patients. The serum UA levels were significantly decreased in the tauopathy group (PSP patients) compared with the synucleinopathy group (PD and MSA patients) after adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index.ConclusionWe found decreased serum UA levels in male patients with PD‐related disorders (PD, MSA, and PSP) compared with male controls, and significant correlations between serum UA levels and disease severity in MSA and PSP patients.
Selective Sensing of Phosphates by a New Bis‐heteroleptic RuII Complex through Halogen Bonding: A Superior Sensor over Its Hydrogen‐Bonding Analogue
Authors: Chowdhury Bijit , Sinha Sanghamitra , Ghosh Pradyut 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe selective phosphate‐sensing property of a bis‐heteroleptic RuII complex, 1[PF6]2, which has a halogen‐bonding iodotriazole unit, is demonstrated and is shown to be superior to its hydrogen‐bonding analogue, 2[PF6]2. Complex 1[PF6]2, exploiting halogen‐bonding interactions, shows enhanced phosphate recognition in both acetonitrile and aqueous acetonitrile compared with its hydrogen‐bonding analogue, owing to considerable amplification of the RuII‐center‐based metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) emission response and luminescence lifetime. Detailed solution‐state studies reveal a higher association constant, lower limit of detection, and greater change in lifetime for complex 1 in the presence of phosphates compared with its hydrogen‐bonding analogue, complex 2. The 1H NMR titration study with H2PO4− ascertains that the binding of H2PO4− occurs exclusively through halogen‐bonding or hydrogen‐bonding interactions in complexes 1[PF6]2 and 2[PF6]2, respectively. Importantly, the single‐crystal X‐ray structure confirms the first ever report on metal‐assisted second‐sphere recognition of H2PO4− and H2P2O72− with 1 through a solitary C−I⋅⋅⋅anion halogen‐bonding interaction.
Overview of Blotting
Authors: Negritto Maria Cristina , Manthey Glenn M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBlotting techniques are among the most common approaches used in a molecular biology laboratory. These techniques, Southern, northern, and immunoblotting, are applicable to a variety of macromolecules including DNA, RNA, and protein, respectively. Each of the techniques are dependent on the ability to resolve the individual macromolecules in a size‐dependant manner, transfer the molecules to a solid support, and finally use a defined probe to detect the specific molecule of interest. The utilization of the blotting technology over the last 30 years has been instrumental to the elucidation of many fundamental biological processes. The continued use of blotting technology holds promise for even greater discovery over the next 30 years. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Column Chromatography
Authors: Chakravarti Bulbul , Mallik Buddhadeb , Chakravarti Deb N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractChromatography is a widely used technique of separation which depends on the differential interaction of molecules between a stationary phase and a mobile phase. In most modern life science laboratories, purification of proteins plays an important role. Almost all types of laboratory‐based liquid chromatography techniques used for purification of proteins are carried out with the stationary phase contained in tubular columns. Although individual methods for sample loading or elution of these columns are usually different depending on the specific technique used, this general experimental procedure that uses tubular columns is known as column chromatography. This unit is focused on setting up laboratory‐based column chromatography methods for separation of proteins using three commonly used chromatographic techniques for separation of proteins, such as size exclusion, ion exchange, and affinity chromatography. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transduction of Herpesvirus saimiri‐Transformed T Cells with Exogenous Genes of Interest
Authors: Martínez‐Barricarte Rubén , de Jong Sarah Jill , Markle Janet , de Paus Roel , Boisson‐Dupuis Stephanie , Bustamante Jacinta , van de Vosse Esther , Fleckenstein Bernhard , Casanova Jean‐Laurent 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHuman T cells can be transformed and expanded with herpesvirus saimiri (HVS). HVS‐transformed T cells from patients have facilitated the study of a broad range of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) in which T‐cell development or function is altered. However, the utility of HVS‐transformed T cells for genetic studies has been limited by technical challenges in the expression of exogenous genes, including wild‐type or mutant alleles. A novel, gamma retrovirus–based method for the simple and reliable transduction, purification, and study of HVS‐transformed T cells is described. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Global Proteomics Analysis of Protein Lysine Methylation
Authors: Cao Xing‐Jun , Garcia Benjamin A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLysine methylation is a common protein post‐translational modification dynamically mediated by protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) and protein lysine demethylases (PKDMs). Beyond histone proteins, lysine methylation on non‐histone proteins plays a substantial role in a variety of functions in cells and is closely associated with diseases such as cancer. A large body of evidence indicates that the dysregulation of some PKMTs leads to tumorigenesis via their non‐histone substrates. However, most studies on other PKMTs have made slow progress owing to the lack of approaches for extensive screening of lysine methylation sites. However, recently, there has been a series of publications to perform large‐scale analysis of protein lysine methylation. In this unit, we introduce a protocol for the global analysis of protein lysine methylation in cells by means of immunoaffinity enrichment and mass spectrometry. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Modification of Amino Groups
Authors: Geoghegan Kieran F. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractChemical modification of amino groups in proteins serves a diversity of preparative and analytical purposes. The most prominent is to attach nonpeptide groups with useful properties to proteins. Examples of these groups include biotin for affinity capture and fluorescent dyes for detectability. A widely applied chemistry, and one for which many reagents are available, is reaction of the activated ester of a carboxylic acid (often a succinimidyl ester) with amino groups at mildly basic pH. Reductive alkylation using a carbonyl compound and a hydride‐donating reducing agent is another valued reaction with multiple applications. Most proteins contain more than one amino group, so the extent of reaction desired must be considered in advance and the result assessed experimentally after the fact. The distinctive environment of the α‐amino group of a polypeptide sets it apart from the ɛ‐amino groups of lysine side chains, and can afford useful specificity. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Soft‐Switching Interleaved PFC Converter with Lossless Snubber
Authors: ANDO ITARU , ABE KODAI , NAKAMURA TOMOAKI , ARAKI YUSHI , OHNISHI KIYOSHI 
Published: November 2016

SUMMARYThis paper describes a soft‐switching interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter with a lossless snubber. AC–DC converters require a unity input power factor characteristic with highly efficient operation to prevent the inflow of harmonic current to the power source. The proposed PFC converter improves the input current ripple with interleave control. The converter realizes a high efficiency by the soft‐switching operation of all switching devices without a large auxiliary resonant circuit. This paper introduces the soft‐switching operation of the converter. In order to confirm the validity of the proposed converter, experiments with a prototype of the PFC converter have been performed. The experimental results indicate that the proposed converter can realize the soft‐switching operation of all switching devices, a reduction in the input current ripple, a unity power factor of 98% or more, a sinusoidal input current, and constant output voltage control. The efficiency of the proposed PFC converter with a lossless snubber is higher than that without the lossless snubber. The results presented in this paper confirm the validity of the proposed converter.
Making Meaning Through Media: Scaffolding Academic and Critical Media Literacy With Texts About Schooling
Authors: Kelly Courtney , Brower Carleigh 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis study investigated how an interdisciplinary first‐year seminar focused on representations of schooling in popular culture supported the acquisition of an academic version of critical media literacy. The authors explore how tapping into students’ funds of knowledge, constructing carefully scaffolded assignments, and offering targeted, personalized feedback allowed the instructors to support students as they acquired academic and critical media literacy through recursive acts of meaning making. Findings suggest that implementing these practices may help students perform close counterreadings of media texts and compose evidence‐based arguments that examine the clear and hidden lessons that these texts teach.
Label free imaging of cell‐substrate contacts by holographic total internal reflection microscopy
Authors: Mandracchia Biagio , Gennari Oriella , Marchesano Valentina , Paturzo Melania , Ferraro Pietro 
Published: November 2016

The study of cell adhesion contacts is pivotal to understand cell mechanics and interaction at substrates or chemical and physical stimuli. We designed and built a HoloTIR microscope for label‐free quantitative phase imaging of total internal reflection. Here we show for the first time that HoloTIR is a good choice for label‐free study of focal contacts and of cell/substrate interaction as its sensitivity is enhanced in comparison with standard TIR microscopy. Finally, the simplicity of implementation and relative low cost, due to the requirement of less optical components, make HoloTIR a reasonable alternative, or even an addition, to TIRF microscopy for mapping cell/substratum topography. As a proof of concept, we studied the formation of focal contacts of fibroblasts on three substrates with different levels of affinity for cell adhesion.
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Do Concepts of Depression Predict Treatment Pathways? A Closer Look at Explanatory Models Among Clinical and Nonclinical Samples in Uganda
Authors: Johnson Laura Renee , Chin Eu Gene , Kajumba Mayanja , Buchanan Erin , Kizito Simon , Bangirana Paul 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveExplanatory models (EMs) are a collection of beliefs about a disorder that can help us understand help‐seeking and treatment pathways in diverse contexts. In 2 related studies, we explore EMs about depression held among both clinical and nonclinical samples in Uganda. To explore the potential of EMs to predict help seeking, we assessed the relationship between 2 main aspects of the EM: problem conceptualization and treatment.MethodIn Study 1, we interviewed and assessed EMs of depression for 135 lay community members and 111 professional practitioners using a vignette. In Study 2, we assessed actual EMs among 33 clinically depressed adults. We transcribed all interviews and analyzed and coded the content. In Study 1, we used logistic regression to examine the relationship of problem conceptualization and stigma to treatment choice; in Study 2, we used Fisher's exact tests to examine the relationship between conceptualization and treatment. Sociodemographics such as age, income, and language were also examined.ResultsInterviews elicited a diverse range of beliefs about the nature of depression and the types of treatment needed. However, problem conceptualization did not predict treatment in either group. Instead, education and interview language predicted treatment in clinical and nonclinical samples.ConclusionAlthough EMs can be useful for both exploring mental health and treatment‐related beliefs in clinical settings and developing mental health services, contextual factors may be more significant predictors of help seeking.
Clinical evaluation of three‐dimensional late enhancement MRI
Authors: Bratis Konstantinos , Henningsson Markus , Grigoratos Chrisanthos , Omodarme Matteo Dell' , Chasapides Konstantinos , Botnar Rene , Nagel Eike 
Published: November 2016

PurposeTo assess the diagnostic value of three‐dimensional late enhancement (3D‐LGE) for the detection of myocardial necrosis in a routine clinical setting. 3D‐LGE has been proposed as a novel magnetic resonance (MR) technique for the accurate detection of myocardial scar in both the ventricles and atria. Its performance in clinical practice has been poorly examined.Materials and MethodsFifty‐seven patients referred for cardiac MR examination including scar imaging were prospectively enrolled. Gadolinium enhanced single breathhold 3D T1‐weighted gradient‐echo inversion recovery sequence and a conventional 2D‐LGE sequence were performed using a 1.5 Tesla clinical MR imaging system. The presence, pattern and transmurality of LGE, diagnostic accuracy and level of diagnostic confidence as well as image quality (median quality, mean LGE signal intensity, sharpness, virtual scan time) were graded on a 4‐point scale.ResultsInterpretable images were obtained in 52/57 2D‐LGE and in 47/57 3D high‐resolution exams. LGE was detected in 10 patients with ischemic pattern, 9 with nonischemic pattern, while it was absent in 28, resulting in a total of 47 complete datasets. The detection of global and segmental LGE as well as its transmural extent were similar for both techniques (P = 0.65, P = 0.305, and P = 0.15, respectively). Image quality (median quality, LGE/ myocardial and LGE/ blood pool sharpness) was similar for both techniques (P = 0.740, P = 0.34, and P = 1.00, respectively), but LGE signal intensity was higher with 2D (P = 0.020).Conclusion3D‐LGE diagnostic and quality scores were comparable to 2D‐LGE in a routine clinical setting. Further technical refinement is required for 3D LGE to offer a reliable alternative for high quality scar imaging.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1675–1683
Polylactides Bearing Vanillin at Chain End Provided Dual Dynamic Interactions: Stereocomplex Formation and Nanostructure Control
Authors: Kan Kai , Akashi Mitsuru , Ajiro Hiroharu 
Published: November 2016

The chemical modification of the polymer chain end group of polylactide is important for the development of nanostructural materials. Herein, the first example of dual dynamic functionality in polylactides bearing vanillin at the chain end is first demonstrated. The first function, stereocomplex formation of both enantiomeric polymers, results in an enhancement in thermal resistance, while the second creates reversibility through amine–imine transformation. This transformation self‐assembles into interesting morphologies, including raindrop‐like nanoparticles observed on imine formation, and spider‐web‐like fibrous ones observed on aldehyde formation from hydrophobic–hydrophilic stimuli by acid. These properties indicate that the present polymer shows dual dynamic building block moiety properties, composed of the natural products.
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Supplementation of oligofructose, but not sucralose, decreases high‐fat diet induced body weight gain in mice independent of gustducin‐mediated gut hormone release
Authors: Steensels Sandra , Cools Leen , Avau Bert , Vancleef Laurien , Farré Ricard , Verbeke Kristin , Depoortere Inge 
Published: November 2016

ScopeEnteroendocrine cells sense nutrients through taste receptors similar to those on the tongue. Sweet and fatty acid taste receptors (FFAR) coupled to the gustatory G‐protein, gustducin, on enteroendocrine cells play a role in gut hormone release. We studied if supplementation of artificial (sucralose) or prebiotic (oligofructose; OFS) sweeteners target gustducin‐mediated signaling pathways to alter gut hormone release and reduce obesity‐associated disorders.Methods and resultsWild‐type (WT) and α‐gustducin knockout (α‐gust−/−) mice were fed a high‐fat diet and gavaged once daily (8 wk) with water or equisweet concentrations of sweeteners. OFS but not sucralose decreased body weight gain (−19 ± 3%, p < 0.01), fat pad mass (−55 ± 6%, p < 0.001), and insulin resistance (−39 ± 5%, p < 0.001) independent of α‐gustducin. Neither sweetener improved glucose intolerance, while solely OFS improved the disturbed colonic permeability. OFS decreased (−65 ± 8%, p < 0.001) plasma glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) but not ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) levels in WT mice. Cecal acetate and butyrate levels were reduced by OFS in both genotypes suggesting enhanced uptake of SCFAs that may target FFAR2 (upregulated expression) in adipose tissue.ConclusionOFS, but not sucralose, reduced body weight gain and decreased intestinal permeability, but not glucose intolerance. Effects were not mediated by altered gut hormone levels or gustducin‐mediated signaling.Artificial sweeteners do not affect gut hormone levels and are metabolically inert in mice on a high‐fat diet. In contrast, prebiotic oligosaccharides (OFS) prevent body weight gain but not glucose intolerance. Alterations in sweet and short‐chain fatty acid receptors (FFAR) (studied in WT and α‐gust−/− mice) that regulate gut hormone levels are not mandatory for the positive effects of OFS. Enhanced uptake of SCFAs may favor interaction with FFAR2/3 on adipose tissue to induce weight loss.