bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of Vicinal Diols to α‐Hydroxy Ketones with H2O2 and a Simple Manganese Catalyst
Authors: Mecozzi Francesco , Dong Jia Jia , Saisaha Pattama , Browne Wesley R.
Published: October 2017

α‐Hydroxy ketones are valuable synthons in organic chemistry. Here we show that oxidation of vic‐diols to α‐hydroxy ketones with H2O2 can be achieved with an in situ prepared catalyst based on manganese salts and pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid. Furthermore the same catalyst is effective in alkene epoxidation, and it is shown that alkene oxidation with the MnII catalyst and H2O2 followed by Lewis acid ring opening of the epoxide and subsequent oxidation of the alkene to α‐hydroxy ketones can be achieved under mild (ambient) conditions.
The role of threat, emotions, and prejudice in promoting collective action against immigrant groups
Authors: Shepherd Lee , Fasoli Fabio , Pereira Andrea , Branscombe Nyla R.
Published: October 2017

In two studies we assessed the role of distinctiveness threat, group‐based emotions (angst, fear, and anger), and prejudice on people's willingness to engage in collective action against immigrant groups. In Study 1 (N = 222) White British participants were either informed that in the next 40 years the proportion of immigrants in the UK is unlikely to change (control condition) or that there will be more immigrants than White British people living in Britain (threat condition). We obtained support for a sequential multiple mediator model in which threat predicted British people's willingness to engage in collective action via the emotions first and then prejudice. This finding was replicated in Study 2 with an Italian sample (N = 283). These results enhance understanding of when and why advantaged groups undertake collective action against disadvantaged groups by demonstrating that distinctiveness threats and emotions promote such actions.
Traffic emission control through gasoline automotive engine mixture enhancement
Authors: Musmar Sa'ed A. , Alkheder Sharaf , Al‐Rousan Ammar A. , Al‐Ajlouni Mousa , Jaradat Yaser , Taamneh Madhar , Khresat Walid
Published: October 2017

Transportation networks today are witnessing a dramatic increase in traffic volume that emits large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. Many environment‐friendly technologies are introduced recently to reduce vehicles' emissions. It is possible to obtain a homogeneous fuel–air mixture in the internal combustion engines under ideal conditions, but it is hard to have control on this mixture in the abnormal conditions. Based on the engine's working conditions, the mixture, sometimes, becomes rich and at other times it might become chemically correct. In this work, a new spiral shape device is used to enhance the mixture homogeneity and to maintain a correct fuel–air mixture. The spiral device works on enhancing the mixture through dividing the fuel particles into smaller ones. The device splits the particles to the largest number possible so it can mix better with the air and evaporate quickly in the combustion chamber. Results showed that use of the new device reduced the percentages of carbon monoxide (CO), the carbon dioxide (CO2) and the hydrocarbon. The mixing process is also improved as it is clear from the air–fuel ratio. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 761–765, 2018
Sediment micromorphology and site formation processes during the Middle to Later Stone Ages at the Haua Fteah Cave, Cyrenaica, Libya
Authors: Inglis Robyn H. , French Charles , Farr Lucy , Hunt Chris O. , Jones Sacha C. , Reynolds Tim , Barker Graeme
Published: October 2017

Understanding the timing, conditions, and characteristics of the Middle to Later Stone Age (MSA/LSA) transition in North Africa is critical for debates regarding the evolution and past population dynamics of Homo sapiens, especially their dispersals within, out of, and back into, Africa. As with many cultural transitions during the Palaeolithic, our understanding is based predominantly on archaeological and paleoenvironmental records preserved within a small number of deep cave sediment sequences. To use such sequences as chronological cornerstones we must develop a robust understanding of the formation processes that created them. This paper utilizes geoarchaeological analyses (field observations, sediment micromorphology, bulk sedimentology) to examine site formation processes and stratigraphic integrity during the MSA/LSA at the Haua Fteah cave, Libya, one of North Africa's longest cultural sequences. The depositional processes identified vary in mode and energy, from eolian deposition/reworking to mass colluvial mudflows. These changing processes impact greatly on the interpretation of the paleoenvironmental and archaeological records, not least in identifying potential colluvial sediment deposition and reworking in layers identified as containing the MSA/LSA transition. This study highlights the importance of developing geoarchaeological analyses of cultural sequences to fully unravel the limitations and potential of their contained archaeological and paleoenvironmental records.
Relationship between international experience and innovation performance: The importance of organizational learning for EMNEs
Authors: Thakur‐Wernz Pooja , Samant Shantala
Published: October 2017

Research Summary

This study examines the impact of international experience (IE) on innovation performance (IP) in the context of emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs). EMNE internationalization is often driven by strategic asset‐seeking behavior to improve their knowledge base. But, does internationalization lead to more innovation for these EMNEs? Drawing on organizational learning theory, we find a positive relationship; however, the IE–IP curve is not linear, instead it follows an S–shaped curve. We also introduce the moderating role of the difference in the direct and indirect learning rate, as well as the knowledge distance between an EMNE’s home and host countries, to the IE–IP relationship. Data on 161 Indian biopharmaceutical firms, of which 64 are EMNEs, from 1997 to 2013 were used to empirically test our hypotheses.

Managerial Summary

Emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs) are expanding to foreign countries to seek new knowledge and improve their ability to compete with more advanced developed country firms. In this article, we examine whether international expansion by EMNEs actually improves their innovation performance. We find that international experience does improve innovation because of organizational learning. Further, we look at whether firms are able to learn faster—both from their own innovation efforts as well as the innovation efforts of their partners. We also look at the difference in the level of knowledge at home versus at the location of the foreign subsidiaries and the impact of this distance on the international experience—innovation performance relationship. We examine EMNEs from the Indian biopharmaceutical industry. Our study provides managerial insights on the international expansion and innovation‐related activities of EMNEs.
Social comparison in the brain: A coordinate‐based meta‐analysis of functional brain imaging studies on the downward and upward comparisons
Authors: Luo Yi , Eickhoff Simon B. , Hétu Sébastien , Feng Chunliang
Published: October 2017

Social comparison is ubiquitous across human societies with dramatic influence on people's well‐being and decision making. Downward comparison (comparing to worse‐off others) and upward comparison (comparing to better‐off others) constitute two types of social comparisons that produce different neuropsychological consequences. Based on studies exploring neural signatures associated with downward and upward comparisons, the current study utilized a coordinate‐based meta‐analysis to provide a refinement of understanding about the underlying neural architecture of social comparison. We identified consistent involvement of the ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in downward comparison and consistent involvement of the anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in upward comparison. These findings fit well with the “common‐currency” hypothesis that neural representations of social gain or loss resemble those for non‐social reward or loss processing. Accordingly, we discussed our findings in the framework of general reinforcement learning (RL) hypothesis, arguing how social gain/loss induced by social comparisons could be encoded by the brain as a domain‐general signal (i.e., prediction errors) serving to adjust people's decisions in social settings. Although the RL account may serve as a heuristic framework for the future research, other plausible accounts on the neuropsychological mechanism of social comparison were also acknowledged. Hum Brain Mapp 39:440–458, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating preprocessing methods of digital elevation models for hydrological modelling
Authors: Lidberg William , Nilsson Mats , Lundmark Tomas , Ågren Anneli M.
Published: October 2017

With the introduction of high‐resolution digital elevation models, it is possible to use digital terrain analysis to extract small streams. In order to map streams correctly, it is necessary to remove errors and artificial sinks in the digital elevation models. This step is known as preprocessing and will allow water to move across a digital landscape. However, new challenges are introduced with increasing resolution because the effect of anthropogenic artefacts such as road embankments and bridges increases with increased resolution. These are problematic during the preprocessing step because they are elevated above the surrounding landscape and act as artificial dams. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of different preprocessing methods such as breaching and filling on digital elevation models with different resolutions (2, 4, 8, and 16 m) and to evaluate which preprocessing methods most accurately route water across road impoundments at actual culvert locations. A unique dataset with over 30,000 field‐mapped road culverts was used to assess the accuracy of stream networks derived from digital elevation models using different preprocessing methods. Our results showed that the accuracy of stream networks increases with increasing resolution. Breaching created the most accurate stream networks on all resolutions, whereas filling was the least accurate. Burning streams from the topographic map across roads from the topographic map increased the accuracy for all methods and resolutions. In addition, the impact in terms of change in area and absolute volume between original and preprocessed digital elevation models was smaller for breaching than for filling. With the appropriate methods, it is possible to extract accurate stream networks from high‐resolution digital elevation models with extensive road networks, thus providing forest managers with stream networks that can be used when planning operations in wet areas or areas near streams to prevent rutting, sediment transport, and mercury export.
Cancer incidence in adults living in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in France, based on data from the French Network of Cancer Registries
Authors: Desbiolles Alice , Roudier Candice , Goria Sarah , Stempfelet Morgane , Kairo Cécile , Quintin Cécile , Bidondo Marie‐Laure , Monnereau Alain , Vacquier Blandine
Published: October 2017

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) release toxic emissions into the environment that may affect neighboring populations. This ecologic study was designed to investigate the possibility of an excess incidence of cancer in the vicinity of French NPPs by examining the incidence by municipality of 12 types of cancer in the population aged 15 years and older during the 1995–2011 period. Population exposure to pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from towns of residence to the NPP. Using regression models, we assessed the risk of cancer in a 20‐km zone around NPPs and observed an excess incidence of bladder cancer (Relative Risk (RR), 95% Credibility Interval (95% CI)) in men and women (RRmen = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.17 and RRwomen = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.39). Women living within the 20‐km proximity areas had a significantly reduced risk of thyroid cancer (RRwomen = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.96). No excess risk of hematologic malignancies in either sex was seen. The higher than expected incidence of bladder cancer may be due to an excess incidence localized around the Flamanville NPP and the nearby La Hague nuclear waste treatment center, which is a source of chemical contaminants, many (including arsenic) of them known risk factors for bladder cancer. Differences in medical practices could explain the reduced risk of thyroid cancer. In this first study of adults living near NPPs in France, cancer incidence is significantly higher than in the references populations for one of the cancer types studied: bladder cancer.
Targeting class I histone deacetylases by the novel small molecule inhibitor 4SC‐202 blocks oncogenic hedgehog‐GLI signaling and overcomes smoothened inhibitor resistance
Authors: Gruber Wolfgang , Peer Elisabeth , Elmer Dominik P. , Sternberg Christina , Tesanovic Suzana , del Burgo Pedro , Coni Sonia , Canettieri Gianluca , Neureiter Daniel , Bartz René , Kohlhof Hella , Vitt Daniel , Aberger Fritz
Published: October 2017

Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (HH)/GLI signaling is causally involved in numerous human malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and medulloblastoma. HH pathway antagonists targeting smoothened (SMO), an essential effector of canonical HH/GLI signaling, show significant clinical success in BCC patients and have recently been approved for the treatment of advanced and metastatic BCC. However, rapid and frequent development of drug resistance to SMO inhibitors (SMOi) together with severe side effects caused by prolonged SMOi treatment call for alternative treatment strategies targeting HH/GLI signaling downstream of SMO. In this study, we report that 4SC‐202, a novel clinically validated inhibitor of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs), efficiently blocks HH/GLI signaling. Notably, 4SC‐202 treatment abrogates GLI activation and HH target gene expression in both SMOi‐sensitive and ‐resistant cells. Mechanistically, we propose that the inhibition of HDACs 1/2/3 is crucial for targeting oncogenic HH/GLI signaling, and that class I HDAC inhibitors either in combination with SMOi or as second‐line therapy may improve the treatment options for HH‐associated malignancies with SMOi resistance.
Impact of gender‐neutral or girls‐only vaccination against human papillomavirus—Results of a community‐randomized clinical trial (I)
Authors: Lehtinen Matti , Söderlund‐Strand Anna , Vänskä Simopekka , Luostarinen Tapio , Eriksson Tiina , Natunen Kari , Apter Dan , Baussano Iacopo , Harjula Katja , Hokkanen Mari , Kuortti Marjo , Palmroth Johanna , Petäjä Tiina , Pukkala Eero , Rekonen Sirpa , Siitari‐Mattila Mari , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Tuomivaara Leena , Paavonen Jorma , Dillner Joakim , Dubin Gary , Garnett Geoffrey
Published: October 2017

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is efficacious but the real‐life effectiveness of gender‐neutral and girls‐only vaccination strategies is unknown. We report a community‐randomized trial on the protective effectiveness [(PE) = vaccine efficacy (VE) + herd effect (HE)] of the two strategies among females in virtually HPV vaccination naïve population. We randomized 33 Finnish communities into Arm A) gender‐neutral vaccination with AS04‐adjuvanted HPV16/18 vaccine (11 communities), Arm B) HPV vaccination of girls and hepatitis B‐virus (HBV) vaccination of boys (11 communities) or Arm C) gender‐neutral HBV vaccination (11 communities). All resident 39,420 females and 40,852 males born 1992‐95 were invited in 2007–09. Virtually all (99%) 12‐ to 15‐year‐old participating males (11,662) and females (20,513) received three doses resulting in uniform 20–30% male and 50% female vaccination coverage by birth cohort. Four years later (2010–14) 11,396 cervicovaginal samples obtained from 18.5 year‐old women were tested for HPV DNA, and prevalence of cervical HPV infections by trial arm and birth cohort was the main outcome measure. VEs against HPV16/18 varied between 89.2% and 95.2% across birth cohorts in arms A and B. The VEs against non‐vaccine types consistent with cross‐protection were highest in those born 1994–95 for HPV45 (VEA 82.8%; VEB 86.1%) and for HPV31 (VEA 77.6%, VEB 84.6%). The HEs in the non HPV‐vaccinated were statistically significant in those born 1994–95 for HPV18 (HEA 51.0%; 95% CI 8.3–73.8, HEB 47.2%; 6.5–70.2) and for HPV31/33 in arm A (HEA 53.7%; 22.1–72.5). For HPV16 and 45 no significant herd effects were detected. PE estimates against HPV16/18 were similar by both strategies (PEA 58.1%; 45.1–69.4; PEB 55.7%; 42.9–66.6). PE estimates against HPV31/33 were higher by the gender‐neutral vaccination (PEA 60.5%; 43.6–73.4; PEB 44.5%; 24.9–60.6). In conclusion, while gender‐neutral strategy enhanced the effectiveness of HPV vaccination for cross‐protected HPV types with low to moderate coverage, high coverage in males appears to be key to providing a substantial public health benefit also to unvaccinated females. Trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov.com NCT000534638
Species‐specific role of gene‐adjacent retroelements in human and mouse gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Rhyu Mun‐Gan , Oh Jung‐Hwan , Hong Seung‐Jin
Published: October 2017

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection promotes the recruitment of bone marrow stem cells into chronic gastritis lesions. Some of these marrow stem cells can differentiate into gastric epithelial cells and neoplastic cells. We propose that HP‐associated methylation could stabilize trans‐differentiation of marrow‐derived stem cells and that an unstable methylation status is associated with a risk of gastric cancer. Pathobiologic behavior of experimental mouse gastric cancer is mild compared to invasive and metastatic human gastric cancer. Differences in epigenetic stabilization of adult cell phenotypes between humans and mice could provide a foundation to explore the development of invasive and metastatic gastric cancer. Retroelements are highly repetitive sequences that play an essential role in the generation of species diversity. In this review, we analyzed retroelements adjacent to human and mouse housekeeping genes and proposed a possible epigenetic mechanism for HP‐associated carcinogenesis.
Adolescent obesity and adult male breast cancer in a cohort of 1,382,093 men
Authors: Keinan‐Boker Lital , Levine Hagai , Leiba Adi , Derazne Estela , Kark Jeremy D.
Published: October 2017

Male breast cancer (MBC) accounts for 1% of all breast cancer. Adult obesity and tallness are risk factors for MBC, but the role of adolescent fatness is largely unknown. We aimed to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) in adolescence and the incidence of MBC in a large cohort of 16‐ to 19‐year‐old Israeli males. 1,382,093 Jewish Israeli males aged 16–19 who underwent anthropometric measurements, a general intelligence test (GIT) and other examinations during 1967–2011, were followed up to December 31, 2012 for MBC incidence. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the association between adolescent BMI (as WHO BMI categories and as age‐specific CDC percentiles) and time to MBC diagnosis, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Of 100 MBC cases diagnosed during 29,386,233 person‐years of follow‐up, 97 were included in multivariable analyses. Compared to “healthy” BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and adjusted for year of birth, country of origin and GIT score, higher adolescent BMI was associated with higher MBC risk: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–3.55, p = 0.015) in overweight (25.0 ≤ BMI < 30.0 kg/m2) adolescents; and HR = 4.97 (95%CI 2.14–11.53, p = 0.0002) in obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) adolescents. When CDC age‐specific BMI percentiles were assessed results were similar and statistically significant for obesity. In addition, low (vs. high) GIT score (HR = 4.76, 95%CI 1.96–12.50, p = 0.001) and European (vs. west‐Asian) origin (HR = 1.99, 95%CI 1.19–3.34, p = 0.009) were independent predictors of MBC. Measured adolescent overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk of MBC, suggesting a modifiable risk factor potentially allowing for early intervention. The novel association with cognitive function should be further explored.
Lifetime alcohol intake and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: Findings from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study
Authors: Jayasekara Harindra , Juneja Surender , Hodge Allison M. , Room Robin , Milne Roger L. , Hopper John L. , English Dallas R. , Giles Graham G. , MacInnis Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Cohort studies have reported inconsistent evidence regarding alcohol intake and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), mostly based on alcohol intake assessed close to study enrolment. We examined this association using alcohol intake measured from age 20 onwards. We calculated usual alcohol intake for 10‐year periods from age 20 using recalled frequency and quantity of beverage‐specific consumption for 37,990 participants aged 40–69 years from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Cox regression was performed to derive hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between alcohol intake (g/day) and NHL risk. After a mean follow‐up of 19.3 years, 538 NHL cases were diagnosed. Approximately 80% of participants were either lifetime abstainers or consumed below 20 g of ethanol/day. All categories of lifetime alcohol intake were associated with about 20% lower incidence of NHL compared with lifetime abstention, but there was no evidence of a trend by amount consumed (HR = 0.97 per 10 g/day increment in intake, 95% CI: 0.92–1.03; p value = 0.3). HRs for beer, wine and spirits were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.83–1.00; p value = 0.05), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.94–1.12; p value = 0.6), and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.83–1.37; p value = 0.6), respectively, per 10 g/day increment in lifetime intake. There were no significant differences in associations between NHL subtypes. In this low‐drinking cohort, we did not detect a dose‐dependent association between lifetime alcohol intake and NHL risk.
Anti‐glypican‐1 antibody‐drug conjugate exhibits potent preclinical antitumor activity against glypican‐1 positive uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Matsuzaki Satoko , Serada Satoshi , Hiramatsu Kosuke , Nojima Satoshi , Matsuzaki Shinya , Ueda Yutaka , Ohkawara Tomoharu , Mabuchi Seiji , Fujimoto Minoru , Morii Eiichi , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi , Naka Tetsuji
Published: October 2017

Glypican‐1 (GPC1) is highly expressed in solid tumors, especially squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and is thought to be associated with disease progression. We explored the use of a GPC1‐targeted antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) as a novel treatment for uterine cervical cancer. On immunohistochemical staining, high expression levels of GPC1 were detected in about 50% of uterine cervical cancer tissues and also in a tumor that had relapsed after chemoradiotherapy. Novel anti‐GPC1 monoclonal antibodies were developed, and clone 01a033 was selected as the best antibody for targeted delivery of the cytotoxic agent monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) into GPC1‐positive cells. The anti‐GPC1 antibody was conjugated with MMAF. On flow cytometry, HeLa and ME180 cervical cancer cells highly expressed GPC1, however, RMG‐I ovarian clear cell cancer cell line showed weak expression. The GPC1‐ADC was rapidly internalized into GPC1‐expressing cells in vitro and was potently cytotoxic to cancer cells highly expressing GPC1. There were no inhibitory effects on cancer cells with low expression of GPC1. In a murine xenograft model, GPC1‐ADC also had significant and potent tumor growth inhibition. GPC1‐ADC–mediated G2/M phase cell cycle arrest was detected, indicating that the dominant antitumor effect in vivo was MMAF‐mediated. The toxicity of GPC‐ADC was tolerable within the therapeutic dose range in mice. Our data showed that GPC1‐ADC has potential as a promising therapy for uterine cervical cancer.
Comparative efficacy and tolerability of antiemetic prophylaxis for adult highly emetogenic chemotherapy: A network meta‐analysis of 143 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cheng Ji , Cai Ming , Shuai Xiaoming , Gao Jinbo , Wang Guobin , Tao Kaixiong
Published: October 2017

Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the commonest side‐effects among cancer patients. However, there is lacking of hierarchical evidences comparing different antiemetics against highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Therefore, we conducted a network meta‐analysis to investigate their comparative efficacy and tolerability. Randomized controlled trials that compared different antiemetic categories for adult highly emetogenic chemotherapy were included after searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Central. Acute‐phase no emesis and no nausea were identified as primary endpoints. We made pairwise and hierarchical calculations by random‐effects model. Effect sizes were presented by odds ratio and 95% confidential interval. Subgroup analysis was additionally performed. 143 randomized trials were included into pooled analysis, containing 22,776 patients and 18 antiemetic categories. 5‐HT3 RA plus corticosteroid plus NK‐1 RA plus other (5CNO) displayed best protection against both acute emesis (SUCRA: 99.7%) and nausea (95.6%). 5CNO (99.7%) and 5‐HT3 RA plus corticosteroid plus other (5CO, 85.3%) topped subgroup hierarchies for no‐naivety and anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide (AC)‐based studies. On the other hand, 5‐HT3 RA plus dopamine RA plus other (5DO) may be best fit for delayed emesis (92.0%) and nausea (92.7%). Subgroups featuring no‐naivety and AC‐based trials preferred 5DO (91.9%) and 5CN (88.6%), respectively. In addition, dopamine RA plus other (DO) had the lowest incidence of TRAE in most circumstances, except for AC‐based subgroup where corticosteroid plus dopamine RA plus other (CDO) preponderated (69.2%). 5CNO and 5DO should be considered as first‐line regimens against highly emetogenic chemotherapy induced acute and delayed CINV, respectively.
The joint effects of major lifestyle factors on colorectal cancer risk among Chinese men: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Qing‐Li , Zhao Long‐Gang , Li Hong‐Lan , Gao Jing , Yang Gong , Wang Jing , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Xiang Yong‐Bing
Published: October 2017

Previous studies have suggested individual healthy lifestyle factors are related to lower risk of colorectal cancer. Their joint effects, however, have rarely been investigated. We aimed to assess the combined lifestyle impact on colorectal cancer risk and to estimate the population attributable risks of these lifestyle factors. Using data from the Shanghai Men's Health Study (2002–2013), we constructed healthy lifestyle index composing the following lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, waist‐hip ratio and exercise participation. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Over a median of 9.28 years' follow‐up, 671 colorectal cancer cases occurred (400 colon cancer and 274 rectal cancer) among 59,503 men. Each increment of healthy lifestyle index was associated with a 17% lower risk of colorectal cancer (HR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.89), 10% of colon cancer (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.99) and 27% of rectal cancer (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.82). If all men in the cohort followed a lifestyle as defined by these five factors, 21% colorectal cancer cases would have been prevented (PAR = 21%, 95% CI: 4%, 36%). In conclusion, combined lifestyle factors are significantly related to lower risk of colorectal cancer and the effects are more pronounced on rectal cancer than on colon cancer.
An assessment of depression, psychosocial factors, and resilience among women seeking prenatal care at an urban community health center
Authors: Johnson Katherine M. , Paley Frances M. , Modest Anna M. , Hacker Michele R. , Shaughnessy Sabine , Ricciotti Hope A. , Scott Jennifer
Published: October 2017

Objective

To describe the relationship between resilience and mental health and psychosocial characteristics in the prenatal period.

Methods

A prospective cohort pilot study was conducted among English‐speaking women aged 18 years or older with singleton pregnancies of at least 20 weeks’ duration who received prenatal care at an urban community health center in the USA between March and October 2014. Surveys were administered and a retrospective chart review was conducted. Resilience and depression were measured using validated scales and anxiety was self‐reported. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Thirty women participated. The median resilience score was 82.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 74.0–92.0). Median resilience scores were significantly lower among women with a history of depression (73.0 [IQR 66.0–81.0]) than among those without a history (85.0 [IQR 79.0–92.0]; P=0.007). A history of using medication for anxiety, depression, or insomnia before pregnancy was also associated with lower resilience (median 74.0 [IQR 64.5–80.0] vs 83.5 [IQR 79.0–92.0]; P=0.029). Neither anxiety nor substance use was associated with resilience. Higher resilience was associated with religious affiliation and having adequate financial resources (both P<0.05).

Conclusion

Depression history, prior medication use, religious affiliation, and financial security affect resilience in pregnancy. These data inform a strengths‐based approach to prenatal care and future research endeavors.
Case report of Staphylococcus epidermidis maternal sepsis and chorioamnionitis following fetoscopy
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Zigron Roy
Published: October 2017

A patient had chorioamnionitis and maternal sepsis following fetoscopy; Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common nonvirulent bacteria, was identified.
Randomized trial of combined cabergoline and coasting in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles
Authors: Bassiouny Yasmin A. , Dakhly Dina M.R. , Bayoumi Yomna A. , Salaheldin Noha M. , Gouda Hisham M. , Hassan Ayman A.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the efficacy of coasting alone, cabergoline alone, or combining both interventions for preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) among high‐risk patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment cycles.

Methods

The present randomized controlled trial was conducted at the IVF unit of a university hospital in Cairo between October 28, 2013, and July 31, 2015. Patients undergoing IVF/ICSI considered at risk of OHSS were randomly allocated to coasting, cabergoline, or combined coasting and cabergoline. The primary outcome was the rate and degree of symptomatically assessed OHSS. Data were analyzed on a per‐protocol basis.

Results

There were 100 patients recruited to each group. The occurrence of early OHSS was lowest in the combination group compared with the other groups (P=0.002).

Conclusion

Combining coasting and cabergoline was associated with a lower OHSS rate compared with either therapy alone.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT01984320
Non‐neutrality of search engines and its impact on innovation
Authors: L'Ecuyer Pierre , Maillé Patrick , Stier‐Moses Nicolás E. , Tuffin Bruno
Published: October 2017

The search neutrality debate is about whether search engines should or should not be allowed to uprank certain results among the organic content matching a query. This debate is related to that of network neutrality, which focuses on whether all bytes being transmitted through the Internet should be treated equally. In a recent paper, we have formulated a model that formalizes this question and characterized an optimal ranking policy for a search engine. The model relies on the trade‐off between short‐term revenues, captured by the benefits of highly paying results, and long‐term revenues which can increase by providing users with more relevant results to minimize churn. In this article, we apply that model to investigate the relations between search neutrality and innovation. We illustrate through a simple setting and computer simulations that a revenue‐maximizing search engine may indeed deter innovation at the content level. Our simple setting obviously simplifies reality, but this has the advantage of providing better insights on how optimization by some actors impacts other actors.
Optical emission of 223Radium: in vitro and in vivo preclinical applications
Authors: Boschi Federico , De Sanctis Francesco , Spinelli Antonello E.
Published: October 2017

223Radium (223Ra) is widely used in nuclear medicine to treat patients with osseous metastatic prostate cancer. In clinical practice 223Ra cannot be imaged directly; however, gamma photons produced by its short‐lived daughter nuclides can be captured by conventional gamma cameras. In this work, we show that 223Ra and its short‐lived daughter nuclides can be detected with optical imaging techniques. The light emission of 223Ra was investigated in vitro using different setups in order to clarify the mechanism of light production. The results demonstrate that the luminescence of the 223Ra chloride solution, usually employed in clinical treatments, is compatible with Cerenkov luminescence having an emission spectrum that is almost indistinguishable from CR one. This study proves that luminescence imaging can be successfully employed to detect 223Ra in vivo in mice by imaging whole body 223Ra biodistribution and more precisely its uptake in bones.
Streptavidin‐coated surfaces suppress bacterial colonization by inhibiting non‐specific protein adsorption
Authors: Ettelt Volker , Ekat Katharina , Kämmerer Peer W. , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Epple Matthias , Veith Michael
Published: October 2017

Streptavidin is a 58 kDa tetrameric protein with the highest known affinity to biotin with a wide range of applications in bionanotechnology and molecular biology. Dissolved streptavidin is stable at a broad range of temperature, pH, proteolytic enzymes and exhibits low non‐specific binding. In this study, a streptavidin monolayer was assembled directly on a biotinylated TiO2‐surface to investigate its stability against proteolytic digestion and its suppression of initial bacterial adsorption of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptococcus intermedius. In contrast to nonmodified TiO2 surfaces, streptavidin‐coated substrates showed only a negligible non‐specific protein adsorption at physiological protein concentrations as well as a significantly reduced bacterial adhesion. The antiadhesive properties were demonstrated to be the main reason for the suppression of bacterial adhesion, which makes this approach a promising option for future surface biofunctionalization applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 758–768, 2018.
Polygonal current models for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and graphene sheets of various shapes
Authors: Pelloni Stefano , Lazzeretti Paolo
Published: October 2017

Assuming that graphene is an “infinite alternant” polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon resulting from tessellation of a surface by only six‐membered carbon rings, planar fragments of various size and shape (hexagon, triangle, rectangle, and rhombus) have been considered to investigate their response to a magnetic field applied perpendicularly. Allowing for simple polygonal current models, the diatropicity of a series of polycyclic textures has been reliably determined by comparing quantitative indicators, the π‐electron contribution to IB, the magnetic field‐induced current susceptibility of the peripheral circuit, to and to , respectively the out‐of‐plane components of the magnetizability tensor and of the magnetic shielding tensor at the center of mass. Extended numerical tests and the analysis based on the polygonal model demonstrate that (i) and yield inadequate and sometimes erroneous measures of diatropicity, as they are heavily flawed by spurious geometrical factors, (ii) IB values computed by simple polygonal models are valid quantitative indicators of aromaticity on the magnetic criterion, preferable to others presently available, whenever current susceptibility cannot be calculated ab initio as a flux integral, (iii) the hexagonal shape is the most effective to maximize the strength of π‐electron currents over the molecular perimeter, (iv) the edge current strength of triangular and rhombic graphene fragments is usually much smaller than that of hexagonal ones, (v) doping by boron and nitrogen nuclei can regulate and even inhibit peripheral ring currents, (vi) only for very large rectangular fragments can substantial current strengths be expected. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predict late‐onset sepsis in preterm infants?
Authors: Alkan Ozdemir Senem , Arun Ozer Esra , Ilhan Ozkan , Sutcuoglu Sumer
Published: October 2017

Background

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily accessible biomarker that has been reported to represent disease severity in adult trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between culture positiveness and NLR in cases where the reason of sepsis was considered, and to foresight an idea about the active agents.

Methods

Preterm infants with birth weights ≤1500 g and/or ≤32 gestational weeks were eligible for this study. The postnatal age of all included infants was more than 3 days with clinical and laboratory signs of sepsis. According to the results of blood cultures, all enrolled infants were classified into 2 groups: the culture‐proven septic infants and suspected septic infants. The NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophil count to lymphocyte count. Initial laboratory investigations included WBC count, platelet count (PLT), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and blood cultures.

Results

A total of 127 infants were involved: 57 culture‐proven sepsis and 75 suspected sepsis. There were no significant differences between groups regarding gestational age, gender, birth weight, delivery mode, and postnatal age. Receiver operating curve analysis for NLR and CRP was calculated. The area under the curve corresponded to 0.78 ± 0.04 (NLR) vs 0.55 ± 0.05 (CRP). Using a cutoff point of 1.77 for NLR, the sensitivity was 0.73, the specificity was 0.78, and accuracy rate was 0.76.

Discussion

The prediction of NLR, an easy, inexpensive, and rapid method, along with CRP in the neonatal period for diagnosis of sepsis, will be more effective in detecting culture‐proven sepsis and in decreasing unnecessary antibiotherapy.
Clinical relevance of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ gene polymorphisms with sepsis
Authors: Liu Yu , Wan Wenhui , Fang Fang , Guo Lei , Zhao Yusheng , Zhang Xinghu , Huang Fang
Published: October 2017

Background

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) is a regulator of inflammation. This study aimed to explore associations between PPARγ gene single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to and clinical outcome of sepsis in the North China Han population.

Methods

This study included 303 patients with sepsis and 303 controls. We conducted genetic typing for 13 common PPARγ gene SNPs (improved multiplex ligation detection reaction), linkage disequilibrium mapping, and haplotype inference. Associations between SNP genotypes/haplotypes and sepsis susceptibility and outcome (septic shock, organ dysfunction, or death) were assessed using unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

For rs2972164, patients with genotypes CT/CT+TT had higher risk of sepsis than genotype CC (odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.74 [1.05‐2.86], P = .03 and 1.72 [1.06‐2.80], P = .026, respectively); the T allele was associated with increased sepsis risk compared with the C allele (1.64 [1.04‐2.58], P = .033). For rs1801282, genotypes CG/CG+GG had lower risk of sepsis than genotype CC (0.55 [0.33‐0.92], P = .024 and 0.57 [0.35‐0.95], P = .03, respectively); the G allele was associated with decreased sepsis risk compared with the C allele (0.62 [0.39‐1.01], P = .055). For rs4135275, genotypes AG/AG+GG had higher risk of severe organ dysfunction (multiple organ dysfunction syndrome score >8) than genotype AA (2.66 [1.16‐6.09], P = .038 and 2.21 [1.00‐4.85], P = .042, respectively). Haplotype TAT (rs2972164, rs4684846, and rs17036188) was associated with increased sepsis risk (1.66 [1.03‐2.67], P = .038).

Conclusions

No mutation was correlated with septic shock or death. PPARγ gene polymorphisms may play a role in the occurrence and progression of sepsis in the North China Han population.
The rhinoceros among Serpents: Comparative anatomy and experimental biophysics of Calabar burrowing python (Calabaria reinhardtii) skin
Authors: Han Dawei , Young Bruce A.
Published: October 2017

The Calabar burrowing python (Calabaria reinhardtii) has a unique combination of marked thickness of the integumentary layers, a highly organized lamellate arrangement of the dermal collagen bundles, and a reduction in the size of the interscale hinge region of the integument. Biomechanical testing demonstrates that the skin of C. reinhardtii is more resistant to penetration than the skin of other snakes. The laminar arrangement of the collagen bundles provides for penetrative resistance, even while maintaining the flexibility characteristic of snake skin. Considering the life history of this species, it is hypothesized that the specialized integument of C. reinhardtii is a passive defensive mechanism against penetrative bites from maternal rodents and predators.
Morphological analysis of the male reproductive accessory glands of the bat Artibeus lituratus (Phyllostomidae: Chiroptera)
Authors: Santos Renata T. S. , Pires Laís R. M. , Albernaz Edna S. S. , Andrade Cleber S. , Santiago Cornélio S. , Morielle‐Versute Eliana , Taboga Sebastião R. , Beguelini Mateus R.
Published: October 2017

Bats are distributed worldwide from tropical to temperate regions. Despite their wide geographical radiation and advances in studies using evolutionary approaches, aspects related to the reproduction of these animals remain poorly explored, especially those related to the male reproductive accessory glands (RAGs). Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the morphophysiology of the male RAGs in the bat Artibeus lituratus. The RAGs in A. lituratus are composed of a compact intra‐abdominal glandular complex, consisting of the prostate with two prostatic regions (ventral and dorsal), plus Littre glands and a pair of extra‐abdominal bulbourethral glands. The ventral region of the prostate has an epithelium with variable morphology, due to its holocrine type of secretion. In contrast, the dorsal region has a typical cubic‐to‐columnar pseudostratified epithelium. Both regions contain two cell types, basal and secretory cells. Similar to the epithelial morphology, the secretion also varies, with the ventral region containing numerous PAS‐positive globular vesicles, whereas the dorsal region has a more fluid, hyaline and PAS‐negative secretion. Littre glands are dispersed in the connective tissue of the urethra, while the bulbourethral glands are located in the penile root, both glands with cubic‐to‐columnar pseudostratified epithelium and globular PAS‐positive secretion. The results demonstrate that the RAGs of A. lituratus are composed of two prostatic regions, ventral and dorsal, and urethral and bulbourethral glands, with no seminal vesicles. Each prostatic region has unique and distinctive characteristics, with the ventral region presenting an exclusive holocrine nature and the dorsal region having similarities to the ventral prostate of rodents.
An improved method for bivariate meta‐analysis when within‐study correlations are unknown
Authors: Hong Chuan , D. Riley Richard , Chen Yong
Published: October 2017

Multivariate meta‐analysis, which jointly analyzes multiple and possibly correlated outcomes in a single analysis, is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. An attractive feature of the multivariate meta‐analysis is its ability to account for the dependence between multiple estimates from the same study. However, standard inference procedures for multivariate meta‐analysis require the knowledge of within‐study correlations, which are usually unavailable. This limits standard inference approaches in practice. Riley et al proposed a working model and an overall synthesis correlation parameter to account for the marginal correlation between outcomes, where the only data needed are those required for a separate univariate random‐effects meta‐analysis. As within‐study correlations are not required, the Riley method is applicable to a wide variety of evidence synthesis situations. However, the standard variance estimator of the Riley method is not entirely correct under many important settings. As a consequence, the coverage of a function of pooled estimates may not reach the nominal level even when the number of studies in the multivariate meta‐analysis is large. In this paper, we improve the Riley method by proposing a robust variance estimator, which is asymptotically correct even when the model is misspecified (ie, when the likelihood function is incorrect). Simulation studies of a bivariate meta‐analysis, in a variety of settings, show a function of pooled estimates has improved performance when using the proposed robust variance estimator. In terms of individual pooled estimates themselves, the standard variance estimator and robust variance estimator give similar results to the original method, with appropriate coverage. The proposed robust variance estimator performs well when the number of studies is relatively large. Therefore, we recommend the use of the robust method for meta‐analyses with a relatively large number of studies (eg, m≥50). When the sample size is relatively small, we recommend the use of the robust method under the working independence assumption. We illustrate the proposed method through 2 meta‐analyses.
Effect of different light spectra on the pigmentation of stored elephant garlic
Authors: Comparini Diego , Nguyen Hieu TH , Ueda Kota , Moritaka Kyoshi , Kihara Toshihiko , Kawano Tomonori
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

In the present study high‐brightness light‐emitting diodes were used to investigate the influence of different light spectra on garlic discoloration at different humidity levels and temperature. Many processes involved in the discoloration process of garlic/leek during storage under different conditions remain unanswered. For this reason in this study the ability of specific light spectra to enhance the production of desirable pigments has been evaluated in elephant garlic. It is well known that the pigments involved in the discoloration reaction are of great interest because of their potential ability to increase the nutritional value and health benefits of the food.

RESULTS

In the present study, we show how the chlorophyll content of the sprout increases directly proportionally to the wavelength of the light tested; green/blue light delays the greening process of garlic young shoots whilst red/infra‐red light irradiance conditions increase the greening process at different storage temperatures and humidity. Moreover different lights in the visible spectrum have been observed to stimulate and enhance the outer layer purple coloration.

CONCLUSION

The use of different lights to modulate garlic pigmentation has been demonstrated and, in particular, the utilisation of red/green/blue lights and lower temperature resulted in higher red/pink pigments production supporting the hypothesis that this process involves more than one light to be fully performed and the low temperature is a condition that influences the formation of these products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry