bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A molecular analysis of the GBA gene in Caucasian South Africans with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Barkhuizen Melinda , Anderson David G. , van der Westhuizen Francois H. , Grobler Anne F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe molecular basis of Parkinson's disease in South African population groups remains elusive. To date, substitutions in the GBA gene are the most common large‐effect genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of GBA substitutions in South Africans with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.MethodsParticipants were recruited from tertiary hospitals in the Gauteng Province in South Africa. All participants were screened for substitutions in GBA exon 8‐11 and the full coding region was analysed in 20 participants. Peripheral β‐glucocerebrosidase enzymatic activity of GBA‐carriers was measured in mixed leukocytes.ResultsOf 105 Caucasian Parkinson's disease participants (82.7% Afrikaner) with an average age of disease onset of 61.9 ± 12.2 years and 40 controls (age 73.4 ± 12.4 years) were included. Heterozygous GBA substitutions were identified in 12.38% of affected participants (p.G35A, p.E326K, p.I368T, p.T369M, p.N370S, p.P387L and p.K441N) and 5.00% of controls (p.E326K and p.T369M). The substitutions ranged from predicted benign to moderately damaging; with p.E326K and p.T369M most prevalent, followed by the Afrikaner Gaucher disease substitution p.P387L. Severe Gaucher disease mutations, like p.L444P, were absent in this cohort. Enzyme activity analysis revealed a nonsignificant reduction in the GBA‐Parkinson's disease individuals (14.49 ± 2.30 nmol/h/mg protein vs. 15.98 ± 3.06 nmol/h/mg in control samples). GBA substitutions occur in both young‐onset and late‐onset Parkinson's cases in the cohort.ConclusionMild GBA substitutions that may not cause Gaucher disease were a common risk factor for Parkinson's disease in the participant group.
Convergence analysis of the ChebFilterCG algorithm
Authors: Sadkane Miloud , Touhami Ahmed 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe ChebFilterCG algorithm, proposed by Golub, Ruiz, and Touhami [SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 29 (2007), pp. 774‐795] is an iterative method that combines Chebyshev filter and conjugate gradient for solving symmetric positive definite linear systems with multiple right‐hand sides. The Chebyshev filter is used to produce initial residuals rich in eigenvectors corresponding to the smallest eigenvalues, which are then used in the initial phase of the conjugate gradient. This paper presents a convergence analysis of ChebFilterCG. In particular, it is shown theoretically and numerically that the algorithm yields an approximation of the invariant subspace associated with the smallest eigenvalues that can be recycled for solving several linear systems with the same matrix and different right‐hand sides. A refined error bound when solving these systems is also given. The choice and influence of the Chebyshev filtering steps is discussed. Numerical experiments are described to illustrate that the Chebyshev filter does not degrade the distribution of the smallest eigenvalues and highlight the effect of rounding errors when large outlying eigenvalues are present. Finally, it is shown that the method may become more effective when an additional Chebyshev filtering step is used in the initialization phase of ChebFilterCG.
Hunted or Scavenged Neanderthals? Taphonomic Approach to Hominin Fossils with Carnivore Damage
Authors: Camarós E. , Cueto M. , Rosell J. , Díez J. C. , Blasco R. , Duhig C. , Darlas A. , Harvati K. , Jordá J. , Montes L. , Villaverde V. , Rivals F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCarnivore damage on Neanderthal fossils is a much more common taphonomic modification than previously thought. Its presence could have different explanations, including predatory attacks or scavenging scenarios, which are both situations with important implications concerning Neanderthal behaviour. In the present paper, we analyse several Neanderthal hominin fossils from a taphonomic and forensic perspective in order to infer the nature of the modifications observed on the bone surfaces. Fossils displaying carnivore modifications from Spain, Germany, Belgium and Greece are evaluated from a taphonomic perspective for the first time in a significant sample of hominin specimens. Our results show that the materials analysed have been modified by small to large carnivores and that both attacks and strictly carnivore scavenging events can be inferred. This study also points out the importance of developing taphonomic approaches to the analysis of hominin bone surfaces, which can contribute significantly to knowledge of several aspects of Neanderthal behaviour. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partially bio‐based tri‐ and hexaallyl monomers: Synthesis from naturally occurringmyo‐inositol and polyaddition with dithiols
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Shirakawa Yugo , Sakue Tomio 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTmyo‐Inositol, a naturally occurring cyclic hexaol, was converted to 2,4,6‐tri‐O‐allyl‐myo‐inositol and 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexa‐O‐allyl‐myo‐inositol. Polyaddition of the former product, a tri(allyl ether) bearing three hydroxyl groups, with dithiols yielded the corresponding networked polymers. Their glass transition temperatures (Tgs) were higher than those of networked polymers formed by the polyaddition of 1,3,5‐tri‐O‐methyl‐2,4,6‐tri‐O‐allyl‐myo‐inositol. This implied the reinforcement of the networks by hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups. Polyaddition of the latter product, a hexa(allyl ether), with dithiols yielded the corresponding networked polymers with much higherTgs than those of all of the aforementioned networked polymers. This implied that efficient use of the hexafunctional monomer leads to the formation of more densely crosslinked polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2017,55, 1524–1529
Appearance of High Endothelial Venule‐Like Vessels in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is Associated With Lower Urinary tract Symptoms
Authors: Inamura So , Shinagawa Tomochika , Hoshino Hitomi , Sakai Yasuhiro , Imamura Yoshiaki , Yokoyama Osamu , Kobayashi Motohiro 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDChronic prostatic inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)‐associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Previous studies evaluated the degree of chronic prostatic inflammation based on histological scores, which may contain subjective factors. We previously demonstrated that the number of high endothelial venule (HEV)‐like vessels correlates positively with the magnitude of inflammation in chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. Here, we evaluated the degree of BPH‐associated chronic prostate inflammation based on appearance of HEV‐like vessels and determined whether the extent of inflammation correlated with LUTS severity, as evaluated by a urodynamic study.METHODSEighty‐six BPH tissue specimens derived from patients who had undergone urodynamic analysis were immunostained for CD34 and MECA‐79 to determine HEV‐like vessel number. Triple immunohistochemistry for either CD3 and CD20 or CD4 and CD8, together with MECA‐79, was conducted to identify lymphocyte subsets associated with HEV‐like vessels. We also determined whether the magnitude of chronic prostatic inflammation, as assessed by HEV‐like vessel number, correlated with the degree of LUTS.RESULTSHEV‐like vessels were induced in lymphoid aggregates seen frequently in BPH. The number of HEV‐like vessels positively correlated not only with the magnitude of chronic prostatic inflammation but also with the degree of LUTS, particularly with symptoms associated with voiding function, which was measured objectively in a pressure flow study.CONCLUSIONSChronic prostate inflammation may promote BPH and resulting voiding dysfunction. Assessment of the number of HEV‐like vessels could be a surrogate for identifying the degree of chronic prostatic inflammation. Prostate 77:794–802, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benchmarking density functionals in conjunction withGrimme's dispersion correction for noble gas dimers (Ne2, Ar2, Kr2, Xe2, Rn2)
Authors: Kovács Attila , Cz. Dobrowolski Jan , Ostrowski Sławomir , Rode Joanna E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEleven exchange‐correlational functionals of different types corrected for dispersion by Grimme's D3 correction in conjunction with the aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis set were tested on the following noble gas (Ng) dimers: Ne2, Ar2, Kr2, Xe2, and Rn2. For comparison, the D2 and D3BJ corrections were probed with the B3LYP functional. From post‐HF wavefunction methods, CCSD(T) theory was also included. The investigated properties involved potential energy curves, equilibrium bond distances, and interaction energies. The B3LYP‐D3, B3LYP‐D3BJ, and PBE0‐D3 functionals performed overall best for bond distances, while B3LYP‐D3 and B97‐D3 performed best for interaction energies. The importance of fortunate error cancellations was seen in the often reduced agreement with reference data upon correction for BSSE. As several functionals performed well selectively for some noble gases (and poorly for others), we also analysed the performance on the Ng2dimers individually and recommended DFT‐D3 functionals for the calculation of large clusters of each Ng.
The dietary protein paradox and threonine 15N‐depletion: Pyridoxal‐5'‐phosphate enzyme activity as a mechanism for the δ15N trophic level effect
Authors: Fuller Benjamin T. , Petzke Klaus J. 
Published: February 2017

RationaleNitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ15N values) are used to reconstruct dietary patterns, but the biochemical mechanism(s) responsible for the diet to tissue trophic level effect and its variability are not fully understood. Here δ15N amino acid (AA) values and physiological measurements (nitrogen intake, plasma albumin concentrations, liver‐reduced glutathione concentrations and leucine oxidation rates) are used to investigate increased dietary protein consumption and oxidative stress (vitamin E deficiency) in rat total plasma protein.MethodsUsing gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry, the δ15N values from N‐pivaloyl‐i‐propyl esters of 15 AAs are reported for rats (n = 40) fed casein‐based diets with: adequate protein (AP, 13.8%; n = 10), medium protein (MP, 25.7%; n = 10), high protein (HP, 51.3%; n = 10) or HP without vitamin E (HP‐E; n = 10) for 18 weeks.ResultsBetween the HP and AP groups, the δ15NAA values of threonine (–4.0‰), serine (+1.4‰) and glycine (+1.2‰) display the largest differences and show significant correlations with: nitrogen intake, plasma albumin concentrations, liver‐reduced glutathione concentrations and leucine oxidation rates. This indicates increased AA catabolism by the dietary induction of shared common metabolic pathways involving the enzymes threonine ammonia‐lyase (EC 4.3.1.19), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1) and the glycine cleavage system (EC 2.1.2.10). The δ15NAA values of the HP‐E and HP groups were not found to be significantly different.ConclusionsThe 15N‐depleted results of threonine are linked to increased activity of threonine ammonia‐lyase, and show potential as a possible biomarker for protein intake and/or gluconeogenesis. We hypothesize that the inverse nitrogen equilibrium isotope effects of Schiff base formation, between AAs and pyridoxal‐5'‐phosphate cofactor enzymes, play a key role in the bioaccumulation and depletion of 15N in the biomolecules of living organisms and contributes to the variability in the nitrogen trophic level effect. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel method to authenticate in website using CAPTCHA‐based validation
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Suresh Kumar , Thankappan Sasikala 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWeb security has become vital, as the practice of internet is embryonic nowadays. To protect network from adversaries and to improve web security, researches has been done for a long time. The most solemn issue is phishing attack as well as access of web services by illicit users. Many users are not even sentient about phishing websites. Phishing is a kind of falsified approach employed by an attacker to get sensitive information from the users who are unaware of phishing attacks. User authorization is a noteworthy security measure that confirms the integrity of the user and ensures the confidentiality associated user data. The significant work done here is to prevent web users from entering into phishing websites and to provide web access only to authorized users via web server. Applications based on CAPTCHA provides more security against attacks. The proposed novel technique identifies phishing websites and authorized web access using Cropped Image CAPTCHA algorithm. The image CAPTCHA technique is not easily prone to web attacks moreover. Threshold values and conditions are defined. Based on this, Cropping‐Based Image CAPTCHA System appraises if the website is phishing website or legitimate website furthermore denies acquiescence to web admittance for unconstitutional users. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into the Inhibitory Mechanism of Dicyanovinyl‐Substituted J147 Derivative against Aβ42 Aggregation and Protofibril Destabilization: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Shuaib Suniba , Saini Rajneet Kaur , Goyal Deepti , Goyal Bhupesh 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe self‐assembly of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) into β‐sheet enriched fibrillar aggregates is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). A disease modifying therapy for AD involves a search for inhibitors that can inhibit Aβ aggregation. Previous studies reported that compound C1 (J147 derivative) strongly inhibit Aβ aggregation and disassemble preformed fibrils, however, the underlying inhibitory mechanism remains elusive. In this regard, the molecular mechanism behind the anti‐aggregation activity of C1 has been investigated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. C1 effectively binds to central hydrophobic core (CHC) region i. e. KLVFF (16‐20) of Aβ42 monomer and inhibit its conformational transition into aggregation prone β‐conformation. C1 destabilize Aβ42 protofibril structure by increasing the interchain distance between chains A−B, disrupting the salt‐bridge interaction between D23‐K28 and decreasing the number of backbone hydrogen bonds between chains A−B of Aβ42 protofibril. The present study provides a complete picture of the inhibitory mechanism of C1 against Aβ42 oligomer formation and fibril disassembly.
Hybridizing TiO2 with Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon: A New Route to A Highly Visible Light‐Active Photocatalyst
Authors: Chen Xiaofang , Xie Zongli , Liang Yan , Wei Jing , Zhu Yonggang , Huo Yuning , Zhang Xiwang , Wang Huanting 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTiO2 hybridized with nitrogen‐doped carbon (N‐doped C/TiO2) was prepared as a photocatalyst with improved visible‐light catalytic activity for the first time. It was found that N‐doped carbon was formed by etching and partial decomposition of as‐formed graphitic carbon nitride on the surface of TiO2 under calcination at 500 °C in open air, which avoided direct doping of nitrogen into TiO2 structure. N‐doped carbon on the surface of TiO2 led to an enhanced light absorption in the range of 400 to 550 nm. The resulting N‐doped C/TiO2 exhibited about 2 times higher activity than the graphitic carbon nitride/TiO2 prepared by direct carbonization in argon atmosphere. Compared with the commercial TiO2 (Degussa, P25), N‐doped C/TiO2 showed a higher reaction rate in the degradation of various pollutants such as rhodamine B, phenol and methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light irradiation.
Anion Induced Dediazotization of In Situ Generated Aniline Diazonium Compounds in Direct C–H Arylation of Heteroarenes: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Kharade Anuradha , Patil Manish , Patil Mahendra 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDirect C–H arylation of heteroarenes with in situ generated diazonium compounds has been accomplished in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as an additive. The scope and limitation of this method were examined for several electron deficient aniline and electron rich heteroarenes. Computational studies revealed an intriguing mechanism for the generation of aryl radical from in situ generated aniline diazonium compounds.
Instability analysis of reinforced concrete walls with various support conditions
Authors: Ho Nhat‐Minh , Doh Jeung‐Hwan , Fragomeni Sam 
Published: February 2017

SummaryAxially loaded reinforced concrete walls can be designed using simplified design methods given in codes such as the Australian Concrete Standard Code (AS3600‐09) and the American Concrete Institute Code (ACI318‐14). However, these practical equations are based on empirical models, and their scope of application is still limited. In particular, walls with the various support conditions, high slenderness, and aspect ratios have been given little treatment. Recent research has been undertaken on the applicability of more reliable and accurate wall design methods. This paper initially presents a derived numerical technique incorporated in a computer program (WASTABT), to implement the iterative analysis for concrete walls with various support conditions. The outputs from the WASTABT program are verified using the results obtained from previous experimental results. A parametric study is then conducted using the verified computer‐based numerical technique to analyse axially loaded reinforced concrete panels. The study focuses on the effect of varying panel properties such as slenderness ratios, aspect ratios, concrete strengths, eccentricities, and reinforcement ratios, along with varying support conditions.
Defining and characterizing ecosystem services for education: A Delphi study
Authors: Ruppert John , Duncan Ravit Golan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRecent advancements in science have led to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the many ways in which humans benefit from environmental systems. These benefits, termed Ecosystem Services, are sparsely characterized in education literature, but were included in the most recent iteration of US national science standards: the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In this paper, we introduce the concept of Ecosystem Services and discuss why it is emerging as an important idea to teach. Specifically, we present a definition and set of big conceptual ideas about ecosystem services developed using a Delphi technique: a method that uses repeat survey of a panel of experts in a domain, to reach a consensus about important ideas. Using the central ideas that emerged during this study, we developed a refined model of coupled human‐environment systems that articulates multiple human populations as embedded within ecosystems, connected to these ecosystems near and far, and benefiting from the resources and conditions provisioned by these ecosystems. We discuss the implications of this model to future education research, as well as to future revisions of Disciplinary Core Ideas in the National Research Council Framework for Science Education. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54:737–763, 2017
Allethrin toxicity causes reproductive dysfunction in male rats
Authors: Madhubabu Golla , Yenugu Suresh 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPyrethroids are widely used for domestic and agricultural purposes and their use is increasing, especially in developing countries. Uncontrolled use of these insecticides resulted in their entry into the food chain thereby causing toxicity to different organ systems. Allethrin is one of the widely used pyrethroids, but its toxicological effects are underreported when compared to other pyrethroids. Further, its effects on the male reproductive tract remain uncharacterized. In this study, its toxicity on the male reproductive tract was evaluated by administering 25–150 mg/kg body weight allethrin to adult rats for 60 days. The mRNA expression of factors that are important in spermatogenesis (Scf, c‐Kit, Hsf2, Ovol1, Brdt, Kdm3A, Ybx‐2, and Grth) and steroidogenesis (StAR, 3β‐HSD, 17β‐HSD) was significantly downregulated. Decreased levels of testosterone, reduced sperm count and daily sperm production was also observed due to allethrin toxicity. However, sperm quality parameters assessed by computer‐assisted sperm analyzer were not affected. Spermatozoa obtained from allethrin‐treated rats failed to undergo acrosome reaction. Results of this study indicate that allethrin affects spermatogenesis and sperm function, thus lending further support to the growing evidence of its toxicity.
The aflatoxin B1‐fumonisin B1 toxicity in BRL‐3A hepatocytes is associated to induction of cytochrome P450 activity and arachidonic acid metabolism
Authors: Mary Verónica S. , Arias Silvina L. , Otaiza Santiago N. , Velez Pilar A. , Rubinstein Héctor R. , Theumer Martín G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHuman oral exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) is associated with increased hepatocellular carcinoma. Although evidence suggested interactive AFB1–FB1 hepatotoxicity, the underlying mechanisms remain mostly unidentified. This work was aimed at evaluating the possible AFB1–FB1 interplay to induce genetic and cell cycle toxicities in BRL‐3A rat hepatocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) involvement, and the AFB1 metabolizing pathways cytochrome P450 (CYP) and arachidonic acid (ArAc) metabolism as ROS contributors. Flow cytometry of stained BRL‐3A hepatocytes was used to study the cell cycle (propidium iodide), ROS intracellular production (DCFH‐DA, HE, DAF‐2 DA), and phospholipase A activity (staining with bis‐BODIPY FL C11‐PC). The CYP1A activity was assessed by the 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) assay. Despite a 48‐h exposure to FB1 (30 μM) not being genotoxic, the AFB1 (20 μM)‐induced micronucleus frequency was overcome by the AFB1–FB1 mixture (MIX), presumably showing toxin interaction. The mycotoxins blocked G1/S‐phase, but only MIX caused cell death. Overall, the oxidative stress led these alterations as the pretreatment with N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine reduced such toxic effects. While AFB1 had a major input to the MIX pro‐oxidant activity, with CYP and ArAc metabolism being ROS contributors, these pathways were not involved in the FB1‐elicited weak oxidative stress. The MIX‐induced micronucleus frequency in N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine pretreated cells was greater than that caused by AFB1 without antioxidants, suggesting enhanced AFB1 direct genotoxicity probably owing to the higher CYP activity and ArAc metabolism found in MIX. The metabolic pathways modulation by AFB1–FB1 mixtures could raise its hepatocarcinogenic properties.