bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntax for calculation of discounting indices from the monetary choice questionnaire and probability discounting questionnaire
Authors: Gray Joshua C. , Amlung Michael T. , Palmer Abraham A. , MacKillop James
Published: September 2016

The 27‐item Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ; Kirby, Petry, & Bickel, 1999) and 30‐item Probability Discounting Questionnaire (PDQ; Madden, Petry, & Johnson, 2009) are widely used, validated measures of preferences for immediate versus delayed rewards and guaranteed versus risky rewards, respectively. The MCQ measures delayed discounting by asking individuals to choose between rewards available immediately and larger rewards available after a delay. The PDQ measures probability discounting by asking individuals to choose between guaranteed rewards and a chance at winning larger rewards. Numerous studies have implicated these measures in addiction and other health behaviors. Unlike typical self‐report measures, the MCQ and PDQ generate inferred hyperbolic temporal and probability discounting functions by comparing choice preferences to arrays of functions to which the individual items are preconfigured. This article provides R and SPSS syntax for processing the MCQ and PDQ. Specifically, for the MCQ, the syntax generates k values, consistency of the inferred k, and immediate choice ratios; for the PDQ, the syntax generates h indices, consistency of the inferred h, and risky choice ratios. The syntax is intended to increase the accessibility of these measures, expedite the data processing, and reduce risk for error.
Creativity as a Factor in Persistence and Academic Achievement of Engineering Undergraduates
Authors: Atwood Sara A. , Pretz Jean E.
Published: September 2016

Background

To date, there has been little research to establish how creativity relates to engineering student persistence and academic achievement.

Purpose

This study used creativity to predict engineering student persistence and achievement relative to demographics, academic aptitude, and personality. It further evaluated those predictors for consistency throughout the undergraduate engineering program.

Design/Method

Participants were entering first‐year engineering students in 2011 and 2012. Academic aptitude was measured by high school rank and SAT scores. Personality was characterized using the Big Five inventory, which measures the traits of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness. Creativity was assessed using student artifacts on three tasks and a modified creativity questionnaire. Outcome measures were students' persistence and GPA over four years. Multinomic logistic regression and multivariate regression were used to model the relationship between predictor variables and persistence and achievement.

Results

SAT math, high school rank, and Conscientiousness were predictors of persistence and achievement. Creativity measures did not predict GPA, and creative self‐efficacy was negatively related to engineering student persistence in the major.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that creativity is not appropriately taught or rewarded in some engineering curricula, and those engineering students who view themselves as highly creative are less likely to graduate in engineering.
The relationship between polymorphisms of BDNFOS and BDNF genes and heroin addiction in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Jin Tianbo , Zhang Hongxing , Yang Qi , Li Lei , Ouyang Yongri , Yang Min , Wang Fengjiao , Wang Zhenyuan , Zhang Ji , Yuan Dongya
Published: September 2016

Background

The number of heroin addicts is increasing in the world. Both environmental and genetic factors both play critical roles in the process of heroin addiction. We aimed to investigate the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LIN7C, BDNFOS and BDNF genes and drug addiction in the Han Chinese population.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study among 692 cases and 700 healthy controls from Xi'an, China. Eight SNPs were selected and genotyped using MassARRAY technology (Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression adjusting for age and sex.

Results

Using the chi‐squared test, we found that rs7481311 (OR =1.275, 95% CI = 1.087–1.497, p = 0.009) and rs11030096 (OR =1.227, 95% CI = 1.049–1.436, p = 0.011) in the BNDFOS were associated with an increased risk of heroin addiction. By contrast, rs988712 located in BDNFOS showed a decreased risk of heroin addiction (OR =0.734, 95% CI = 0.582–0.925, p = 0.003). By genetic model analysis, we found that the ‘T’ allele of rs988712 in BDNFOS had a protective role for heroin addiction in the additive model and dominant model (p < 0.05). By contrast, the allele ‘T’ of rs7481311 in BDNFOS significantly elevated the risk of heroin addiction in the additive model, recessive model and dominant model (p < 0.05). We also found that allele ‘C′ of rs11030096 was associated with an increased risk of addiction in the dominant model and additive model (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found that rs6265, rs11030104 and rs10767664 in BDNF were associated with a decreased risk of heroin addiction (p < 0.05). However, only rs7481311 in BDNFOS remained significant after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.00625).

Conclusions

These results suggest that polymorphisms of BDNFOS play an important role in heroin addiction susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.
‘You have hands, make use of them!’ Child labour in Artisanal and Small‐scale Mining in Tanzania
Authors: Potter Cuz , Lupilya Alexander Constantine
Published: September 2016

This paper examines child labour in artisanal mining through ethnographic research in Tanzania. The poverty hypothesis argues that households send children to work to bolster household income. The sociocultural approach suggests that child mining offers valuable vocational training. This paper builds on a growing literature that complicates these approaches' straightforward claims by illustrating how household fragmentation is generated through the encounter of traditional cultural practices with mining's culture of consumption. This encounter exacerbates household fragmentation, which in turn increases child poverty and labour. These findings suggest that policy interventions should also address these mediating factors rather than poverty per se. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR analysis of t‐butyl‐catalyzed deuterium exchange at unactivated arene localities
Authors: Stack Douglas E. , Eastman Rachel
Published: September 2016

Regioselective labelling of arene rings via electrophilic exchange is often dictated by the electronic environment caused by substituents present on the aromatic system. Previously, we observed the presence of a t‐butyl group, either covalently bond or added as an external reagent, could impart deuterium exchange to the unactivated, C1‐position of estrone. Here, we provide nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of this exchange in a solvent system composed of 50:50 trifluoroacetic acid and D2O with either 2‐t‐butylestrone or estrone in the presence of t‐butyl alcohol has shed insights into the mechanism of this t‐butyl‐catalyzed exchange. Fast exchange of the t‐butyl group concurrent with the gradual reduction of the H1 proton signal in both systems suggest a mechanism involving ipso attack of the t‐butyl position by deuterium. The reversible addition/elimination of the t‐butyl group activates the H1 proton towards exchange by a mechanism of t‐butyl incorporation, H1 activation and exchange, followed by eventual t‐butyl elimination. Density functional calculations are consistent with the observation of fast t‐butyl exchange concurrent with slower H1 exchange. The σ‐complex resulting from ipso attack of deuterium at the t‐butyl carbon was 6.6 kcal/mol lower in energy than that of the σ‐complex resulting from deuterium attack at C1. A better understanding of the t‐butyl‐catalyzed exchange could help in the design of labelling recipes for other phenolic metabolites.
Exocrine glands of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda: Caligidae): Distribution, developmental appearance, and site of secretion
Authors: Øvergård Aina‐Cathrine , Hamre Lars A. , Harasimczuk Ewa , Dalvin Sussie , Nilsen Frank , Grotmol Sindre
Published: September 2016

Exocrine glands of blood‐feeding parasitic copepods are believed to be important in host immune response modulation and inhibition of host blood coagulation, but also in the production of substances for integument lubrication and antifouling. In this study, we aimed to characterize the distribution of different types of salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) exocrine glands and their site of secretion. The developmental appearance of each gland type was mapped and genes specifically expressed by glands were identified. Three types of tegumental (teg 1–3) glands and one labial gland type were found. The first glands to appear during development were teg 1 and teg 2 glands. They have ducts extending both dorsally and ventrally suggested to be important in lubricating the integument. Teg 1 glands were found to express two astacin metallopeptidases and a gene with fibronectin II domains, while teg 2 glands express a heme peroxidase. The labial glands were first identified in planktonic copepodids, with reservoirs that allows for storage of glandular products. The last gland type to appear during development was named teg 3 and was not seen before the preadult I stage when the lice become more virulent. Teg 3 glands have ducts ending ventrally at the host‐parasite contact area, and may secrete substances important for the salmon lice virulence. Salmon lice teg 3 and labial glands are thus likely to be especially important in the host‐parasite interaction. Proteins secreted from the salmon louse glands to its salmonid host skin or blood represents a potential interface where the host immune system can meet and elicit effective responses to sea lice antigens. The present study thus represents a fundamental basis for further functional studies and identification of possible vaccine candidates. J. Morphol. 277:1616–1630, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lymphoma and inflammation in the orbit: Diagnostic performance with diffusion‐weighted imaging and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Sun Bo , Song Liyuan , Wang Xinyan , Li Jing , Xian Junfang , Wang Feifei , Tan Pan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic performance of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the combination of both in the differential diagnosis of lymphoma and inflammation in the orbit.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and the informed consent requirement was waived. A total of 53 patients underwent preoperative 3T MRI. Parameters of DWI and DCE MRI were evaluated in these 30 patients with orbital lymphoma and 23 patients with orbital inflammation. The diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and parameters derived from DCE MRI of orbital lymphoma and orbital inflammation differed significantly (ADC, Tmax, contrast index [CI], enhancement ratio [ER], and washout ratio [WR]: P < 0.001, P = 0.008, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.005 for reviewer 1, respectively; P < 0.001, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001 for reviewer 2, respectively). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of DWI were 76.67%, 100%, and 86.79% for reviewer 1; 70%, 95.65%, and 81.13% for reviewer 2, respectively. The combination of both were 90%, 86.96%, and 88.68% for reviewer 1; 93.33%, 78.26%, and 86.79% for reviewer 2, respectively. The combination of both was significantly superior to DWI for differentiation of orbital lymphoma from orbital inflammation (P = 0.016 for reviewer 1; P = 0.001 for reviewer 2).

Conclusion

The combination of DWI and DCE MRI can improve diagnostic performance in differentiating lymphoma from inflammation in the orbit compared with DWI alone.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1438–1445
Monitoring of human herpesviruses‐6 and ‐7 DNA in saliva samples during the acute and convalescent phases of exanthem subitum
Authors: Miyazaki Yuki , Namba Hikaru , Torigoe Sadayoshi , Watanabe Masahiro , Yamashita Nobuko , Ogawa Hirohito , Morishima Tsuneo , Yamada Masao
Published: September 2016

The amounts of the DNAs of human herpesviruses‐6 (HHV‐6) and ‐7 (HHV‐7) in saliva samples were monitored during the acute and convalescent phases of exanthem subitum (ES) to elucidate the kinetics of virus shedding after ES. A total of 247 saliva samples were collected from 17 children (5 males and 12 females: 8–31 months old at onset). The monitoring period ranged from 152 to 721 days after onset, and in 15 children it was longer than 1 year. Among the 17 cases, 16 were attributed to HHV‐6B, while a single case was attributed to HHV‐7. Detection rates and average amounts of HHV‐6 DNA in saliva samples after ES attributed to HHV‐6B were low in the acute phase, increased to the maximum in the convalescent phase at 3–7 months, and then decreased. In addition, to investigate the source of infection, saliva samples from the older siblings (age 3–9 years) and parents of ES patients and children with a history of ES were also examined. The detection rate of HHV‐6 DNA in saliva samples from 3‐ to 9‐year‐old children was significantly higher than the rate in adult saliva samples. Taken together, these findings suggest that the saliva of children in the convalescent phase of ES might be a more likely source of HHV‐6 infection than that of adults. J. Med. Virol. 89:696–702, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decrease in climatic conditions favouring floods in the south‐east of Belgium over 1959–2010 using the regional climate model MAR
Authors: Wyard Coraline , Scholzen Chloé , Fettweis Xavier , Van Campenhout Jean , François Louis
Published: September 2016

The Ourthe River, in the south‐east of Belgium, has a catchment area of 3500 km2 and is one of the main tributaries of the Meuse River. In the Ourthe, most of the flood events (FE) occur during winter and about 50% of them are due to heavy rainfall events combined with an abrupt melting of the snowpack covering the Ardennes massif during winter. This study aims to determine whether trends in extreme hydroclimatic events generating floods can be detected over the last century in Belgium, where a global warming signal can be observed. Hydroclimatic conditions favourable to floods were reconstructed over 1959–2010 using the regional climate model MAR (‘Modèle Atmosphérique Régional’) forced by the ERA‐Interim/ERA‐40, the ERA‐20C and the NCEP/NCAR‐v1 reanalyses. Extreme run‐off events, which could potentially generate floods, were detected using run‐off caused by precipitation events and snowpack melting from the MAR model. In the validation process, the MAR‐driven temperature, precipitation and snow depth were successfully compared to daily weather data over the period 2008–2014 for 20 stations in Belgium. MAR also showed its ability to detect up to 90% of the hydroclimatic conditions which effectively generated observed floods in the Ourthe River over the period 1974–2010. Conditions favourable to floods in the Ourthe River catchment present a negative trend over the period 1959–2010 as a result of a decrease in snow accumulation and a shortening of the snow season. This trend is expected to accelerate in a warmer climate. However, regarding the impact of the extreme precipitation events evolution on conditions favouring floods, the signal is less clear because the trends depend on the reanalysis used to force the MAR model.
Sulfur‐Based Polymer Composites from Vegetable Oils and Elemental Sulfur: A Sustainable Active Material for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Hoefling Alexander , Lee Young Joo , Theato Patrick
Published: September 2016

A simple and environmentally friendly method for the preparation of composite cathode materials from cost‐effective waste‐product elemental sulfur and sustainable, nonhazardous vegetable oils is presented. High sulfur contents of up to 80 wt% are achieved. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the composite materials consist of micrometer sized sulfur particles which are embedded in a crosslinked polymeric network. The polymeric network formed upon copolymerization of the fatty acid residues and elemental sulfur is similar to factice. For the first time factice‐like sulfur containing composites are utilized successfully as the active cathode material in Li–S batteries. Upon employment, high initial specific capacities up to 880 mAh g−1, good capacity retention abilities (63% after 100 cycles) as well as high coulombic efficiencies are achieved, suggesting reasonable suppression of polysulfide diffusion as a consequence of the embedment.

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Capillary Nematization of Semiflexible Polymers
Authors: Egorov Sergei A. , Milchev Andrey , Binder Kurt
Published: September 2016

Semiflexible polymers under good solvent conditions confined by two planar parallel repulsive walls are investigated for a wide range of monomer concentrations and distances between the walls, for a case where persistence length and contour length of the macromolecules are almost equal. Chain conformations and local nematic ordering near the walls are studied by both molecular dynamics methods and density functional theory, putting it in perspective with the recent work where the isotropic phase of semiflexible polymer solutions in the vicinity of a single repulsive wall in semi‐infinite geometry is considered. Profiles of the total density of monomers as well as densities of end‐ and middle‐monomers and also the local orientational order parameter across the slit are computed. For small distances between the walls, the increase of monomer density causes a gradual onset of nematic order without a sharp transition while for large distances between the walls a first‐order “capillary nematization” transition is found at a monomer concentration somewhat smaller than needed for the onset of nematic order in the bulk. A brief comparison with related treatments for other models is made.

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Copolymerization of Ethylene with 1,9‐Decadiene: Part I – Prediction of Average Molecular Weights and Long‐Chain Branching Frequencies
Authors: Brandão Amanda L. T. , Alberton André L. , Pinto José C. , Soares João B. P.
Published: September 2016

Long chain branches improve the viscoelastic properties of polyolefins and make them easier to process. The frequency of long chain branching in polyethylenes made with coordination catalysts can be substantially increased by copolymerizing ethylene with small amounts of nonconjugated dienes using an adequate catalyst. In this work, the kinetics of copolymerization of ethylene and 1,9‐decadiene is investigated using a constrained geometry catalyst in a solution polymerization semi‐batch reactor, and a novel mathematical model is proposed to describe the resulting molecular weight distributions. A hybrid approach, combining particle swarm optimization, parameter identifiability procedures, and the Gauss–Newton method is applied to estimate the model parameters. The proposed mechanism includes macromonomer reincorporation through pendant double bonds that result from diene incorporation. The predicted long chain branching frequencies are validated by Monte Carlo simulation. Experimental average molecular weights and ethylene feed flow rates are successfully predicted by both methods.

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A new functional IDH2 genetic variant is associated with the risk of lung cancer
Authors: Li Jiangjiang , Lu Jingchen , He Ya , Wu Yong , Wu Yuan , Song Xin , Jiang Yuee , Tang Min , Weng Xinxian , Yi Wei , Luo Xiangjian , Sun Lunquan , Bode Ann M. , Cao Ya
Published: September 2016

Recently, mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) were discovered in 70% of low‐grade glioma and secondary glioblastoma multiforme. The discovery of an oncogenic function and the identification of onco‐metabolites of IDH1/2 support new roles for metabolism in cancer. For example, some evidence indicates that IDH2 might also exhibit oncogenic functions by promoting cellular metabolism and cancer cell growth. We examined the association between IDH2 rs11540478 and lung cancer risk in 262 lung cancer patient cases and 602 healthy control subjects and also investigated the biological function of rs11540478 in vivo. We found that a higher risk was observed in lung cancer patient carriers of rs11540478 TT and CT compared with CC carriers (OR = 1.44; 95%CI = 1.04–2.00; P = 0.03). The frequency of IDH2 rs11540478 TT and CT carriers was decreased in healthy individuals between the ages of 50–77 compared to those aged 30–49 (OR = 0.67; 95%CI = 0.47–0.96; P = 0.03). Functional analysis showed the effect of rs11540478 on IDH2 expression and lung cancer cell viability, with higher IDH2 expression and cell viability among T allele compared with C allele. IDH2 mRNA was higher in peripheral blood lymphocytes from lung cancer patients compared to healthy subjects. Herein, for the first time we identified IDH2 rs11540478 as a new susceptibility locus for lung cancer. The effect of rs11540478 on mRNA expression of IDH2 and lung cancer cell viability might provide new insight for the genetic basis of lung cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ephrin‐B2 overexpression predicts for poor prognosis and response to therapy in solid tumors
Authors: Oweida Ayman , Bhatia Shilpa , Hirsch Kellen , Calame Dylan , Griego Anastacia , Keysar Steve , Pitts Todd , Sharma Jaspreet , Eckhardt Gail , Jimeno Antonio , Wang Xiao Jing , Parkash Gill , Califano Joseph , Karam Sana D.
Published: September 2016

Ephrin B2 is variably expressed on tumor cells and its blockade has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in animal models of pancreatic, colorectal, lung and head, and neck squamous cell carcinomas. However, the implications of ephrinB2 expression in cancer patients have remained elusive. In this study, we analyzed the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) for ephrinB2 expression. We report significant correlations between EFNB2 expression, overall survival and disease‐free survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC, n = 519), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 186), and bladder urothelial carcinoma (n = 410). In HNSCC patients, high‐EFNB2 mRNA expression was associated with tumor HPV negativity, oral cavity location, alcohol intake, higher TP53 mutation, and EGFR amplification. EphrinB2 overexpression also correlated with worse response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The therapeutic potential of blocking ephrinB2 was validated in HNSCC patient‐derived tumor xenografts and showed significant improvement in survival and tumor growth delay. Our data shows that ephrinB2 overexpression can serve as a critical biomarker for patient prognosis and response to therapy. These results should guide design of future clinical trials exploring EphrinB2 inhibition in cancer patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anthocyanidins inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transition through a TGFβ/Smad2 signaling pathway in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Ouanouki Amira , Lamy Sylvie , Annabi Borhane
Published: September 2016

Epidemiological studies have convincingly demonstrated that diets rich in fruits and vegetables play an important role in preventing cancer due to their polyphenol content. Among polyphenols, the anthocyanidins are known to possess anti‐inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti‐angiogenic, and anti‐carcinogenic properties. Despite the well‐known role of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in high grade gliomas, the impact of anthocyanidins on TGF‐β‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that allows benign tumor cells to infiltrate surrounding tissues, remains poorly understood. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of anthocyanidins such as cyanidin (Cy), delphinidin (Dp), malvidin (Mv), pelargonidin (Pg), and petunidin (Pt) on TGF‐β‐induced EMT and to determine the mechanism(s) underlying such action. Human U‐87 glioblastoma (U‐87 MG) cells were treated with anthocyanidins prior to, along with or following the addition of TGF‐β. We found that anthocyanidins differently affected TGF‐β‐induced EMT, depending on the treatment conditions. Dp was the most potent EMT inhibitor through its inhibitory effect on the TGF‐β Smad and non‐Smad signaling pathways. These effects altered expression of the EMT mesenchymal markers fibronectin and Snail, as well as markedly reducing U‐87 MG cell migration. Our study highlights a new action of anthocyanidins against EMT that supports their beneficial health and chemopreventive effects in dietary‐based strategies against cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Simple and Resource‐efficient Setup for the Computer‐aided Drug Design Laboratory
Authors: Moretti Loris , Sartori Luca
Published: September 2016

Undertaking modelling investigations for Computer‐Aided Drug Design (CADD) requires a proper environment. In principle, this could be done on a single computer, but the reality of a drug discovery program requires robustness and high‐throughput computing (HTC) to efficiently support the research. Therefore, a more capable alternative is needed but its implementation has no widespread solution. Here, the realization of such a computing facility is discussed, from general layout to technical details all aspects are covered.
Singularly perturbed pseudoparabolic equation
Authors: Bykov Alexey , Panin Alexander , Sharlo Alena
Published: September 2016

An asymptotic expansion of the contrasting structure‐like solution of the generalized Kolmogorov–Petrovskii–Piskunov equation is presented. A generalized maximum principle for the pseudoparabolic equations is developed. This, together with the generalized differential inequalities method, allows to prove the consistence and convergence of the asymptotic series method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embryonic stem‐like cells from rabbit blastocysts cultured with melatonin could differentiate into three germ layers in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wei Ruxue , Zhao Xueming , Hao Haisheng , Du Weihua , Zhu Huabin
Published: September 2016

The rabbit is considered an important model animal from which to obtain embryonic stem cells because of the utility of this animal in physiology and reproductive research. Here, we derived rabbit ES‐like (rES‐like) cells from blastocysts of superovulated Japanese white rabbits using culture medium containing 10−7 M melatonin, 10 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor, and 1,000 IU/mL human leukemia inhibitory factor. This concentration of melatonin had the most significant positive effects on the proliferation inner cell mass‐derived cells (improving rates from 19.97% to 34.57%) and the longevity of passaging rES‐like cells. Melatonin also enhanced the expression of pluripotent genes—including alkaline phosphatase, Pou5f1, Sox2, Klf4, c‐Myc, Nanog, Line28a, and surface marker proteins—in fifth‐passage rES‐like cells. In vitro, these rES‐like cells could spontaneously differentiate into some somatic cells, such as beating cardiomyocytes; formed embryoid bodies; expressed markers of the three germ layers after differentiation; and formed teratomas after injection into non‐obese diabetic‐severe combined immune deficient (NOD‐SCID) mice. Thus, melatonin helped coax ES‐like cells from rabbit blastocysts, which raises intriguing questions about the relationship between pluripotency and proliferation in rabbit embryonic stem cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1003–1014, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient‐centered benefit–risk assessment in duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hollin Ilene L. , Peay Holly L. , Apkon Susan D. , Bridges John F.P.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

This study quantified caregiver and patient preferences for a therapeutic agent with demonstrated pulmonary benefits for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Caregiver and patient differences were also explored.

Methods

A best–worst scaling survey (BWS) was administered to caregivers and patients. Across 9 profiles, respondents selected the best and worst attributes. Utility scores were estimated using mixed logistic regression.

Results

Respondents indicated greatest preference for therapies that maintain their current level of cough strength for 10 years or for 2 years. Preference scores for risks were low: 50% chance of diarrhea and 4 additional blood draws per year.

Conclusion

There is a strong preference for pulmonary benefit and willingness to trade off risks and burden to achieve these benefits. In exchange for maintaining cough strength for 10 years, respondents were willing to tolerate high probabilities of diarrhea and additional blood draws. Muscle Nerve 55: 626–634, 2017
Selectivity of conventional electrodes for recording motor evoked potentials: An investigation with high‐density surface electromyography
Authors: Gallina Alessio , Peters Sue , Neva Jason L. , Boyd Lara A. , Garland S. Jayne
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine whether motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited with transcranial magnetic stimulation and measured with conventional bipolar electromyography (EMG) are influenced by crosstalk from non‐target muscles.

Methods

MEPs were recorded in healthy participants using conventional EMG electrodes placed over the extensor carpi radialis muscle (ECR) and high‐density surface EMG (HDsEMG). Fifty MEPs at 120% resting and active motor threshold were recorded. To determine the contribution of ECR to the MEPs, the amplitude distribution across HDsEMG channels was correlated with EMG activity recorded during a wrist extension task.

Results

Whereas the conventional EMG identified MEPs from ECR in >90% of the stimulations, HDsEMG revealed that spatial amplitude distribution representative of ECR activation was observed less frequently at rest than while holding a contraction (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

MEPs recorded with conventional EMG may contain crosstalk from non‐target muscles, especially when the stimulation is applied at rest. Muscle Nerve 55: 828–834, 2017
Wave filtering through a selective perfectly matched layer in multiscale couplings with dynamically incompatible models
Authors: Marchais J. , Chamoin L. , Rey C.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we develop a strategy that enables a consistent wave transfer when coupling mechanical models exhibiting various description scales under dynamic loading. Incompatibilities between concurrent models are addressed by a selective filtering based on the perfectly matched layer framework and involving a dedicated projection operator. This filtering, performed in the vicinity of the coupling interface, aims at avoiding spurious wave reflections by automatically killing part of the signal with wavelength range not compatible with the downstream (coarser scale) model while the relevant complementary part is transferred. Performances of the proposed approach are evaluated in details by conducting one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional numerical experiments. The definition of the projection operator, which is a key point of the method, is particularly tackled by analyzing and comparing several possible choices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small weight gains during obesity treatment: normative or cause for concern?
Authors: Schumacher Leah M. , Gaspar Monika , Remmert Jocelyn E. , Zhang Fengqing , Forman Evan M. , Butryn Meghan L.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The objectives of the study are to characterize the frequency and size of small weight gains during behavioural weight loss treatment and to evaluate the relationship between small weight gains and weight loss outcomes.

Methods

Participants (n = 281) in a year‐long behavioural weight loss programme were weighed at treatment sessions, and between‐session weight gains were classified into several categories based on size. The occurrence of different gain magnitudes and their relation to weight loss were examined during both the active weight loss (months 1–6) and weight loss maintenance (months 7–12) phases of treatment.

Results

Weight gains were common during both phases of treatment, with smaller gains occurring more frequently than larger gains. Greater frequency of all gain magnitudes was associated with lesser weight loss during both phases. Additionally, participants who had just one or two weight gains of the smallest size examined (1.0–1.9 lb) lost less weight than those who had no gains.

Conclusions

Small gains appear to reflect true weight gain due to poor adherence to behavioural recommendations and are associated with worse weight loss outcomes, even when limited in number. Future research should examine how best to prevent small weight gains from occurring and how clinicians and participants should respond when a weight gain does occur to promote weight control success.
Synthesis, characterization, thermal, electrical and magnetic properties of polyaniline composites with rare earth gadolinium coordination complex
Authors: Wang Siyu , Li Yini , Zhang Youyou , Wang Shaoxu , Tan Zhicheng
Published: September 2016

Novel polyaniline/gadolinium (PANI/Gd) composites were successfully synthesized by “in‐situ” polymerization at the presence of rare earth Gd coordination complex and D‐tartaric acid (an a dopant). It is rarely to find the studies on related field to add rare earth Gd coordination complex as fillers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to examine the structure and surface appearance characterization of materials. The thermal stability performance of composites was investigated by thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry (TG‐DTG). Electrochemical performance was measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge–discharge test. The magnetic property was investigated by physical property measurement system (PPMS). The structure and surface appearance characterization and the magnetic properties jointly demonstrate the polymerization of rare earth Gd coordination complex and PANI–D‐tartrate (DTA) not only simple physical mixing but also chemical mixing. TG‐DTG analysis suggests that thermal stability of PANI/Gd composites is higher than that of PANI–DTA. Electrochemical performance tests and SEM indicate that the composite (PANI/Gd = 3.3:1,mass ratio) has the most regular morphology and best specific capacitance. The magnetization of the composite (PANI/Gd = 3.3:1,mass ratio)is evidently smaller compared with PANI–DTA and rare earth Gd coordination complex. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of novel soy protein‐based systems for tissue regeneration applications
Authors: Knani Dafna , Barkay‐Olami Hilla , Alperstein David , Zilberman Meital
Published: September 2016

In the present research, molecular modeling methods were used to study novel porous soy protein conjugates with gelatin or alginate, which were recently developed as potential scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Gelatin (protein) and alginate (polysaccharides) were chemically crosslinked to soy protein isolates (SPI) in order to obtain a porous 3D network. Computational tools were applied to estimate the crosslinking degree and compare the degradation rate of soy–gelatin or soy–alginate conjugates. Soy protein 3D structure was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Alginate and gelatin structures were built and subjected to dynamic simulation using the molecular modeling package Material Studio 7.0. The crosslinking degree was estimated by the miscibility of the two reactants and the interaction with the crosslinking agents 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) or glyoxal. The calculations revealed that soy protein mixes well with gelatin but not with alginate. Radial distribution function (RDF) calculations showed that the interaction distance between alginate and EDC is significantly shorter than between gelatin and EDC, probably because of ionic attraction between the ammonium groups of EDC and the carboxylate groups in alginate, which facilitates the crosslinking reaction. The degradation rate of soy protein conjugates was related to their interaction with water. It was found that the solubility of soy–gelatin in water is higher than soy–alginate and that water molecules form more hydrogen bonds with soy–gelatin than with soy–alginate. These findings might be the reason for the observed difference in degradation rate of the two conjugates; the soy–gelatin degrades faster than soy–alginate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: Polarity control and residual strain in ZnO epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (0001) GaN/sapphire (Phys. Status Solidi RRL 9/2016)
Authors: Ullah Md. Barkat , Avrutin Vitaliy , Li Si Qian , Das Saikat , Monavarian Morteza , Toporkov Mykyta , Özgür Ümit , Ruterana Pierre , Morkoç Hadis
Published: September 2016

No abstract is available for this article.
Severe bilateral bronchial stenosis with acute respiratory failure from granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Tajarernmuang Pattraporn , Limsukon Atikun , Liwsrisakun Chalerm , Wannasopha Yutthaphan
Published: September 2016

We report a 48‐year‐old female patient hospitalized with dyspnoea, wheezing, and respiratory failure due to bilateral main bronchial stenosis from granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) involvement. By computed tomography imaging and flexible bronchoscopy, we measured the narrowest diameter at 2 mm. The patient promptly recovered from respiratory failure after treatment with flexible bronchoscopic balloon dilatation (BBD) without any procedure‐related adverse event. This report showed the benefits of urgent flexible BBD that was used as a rescue therapy in a GPA patient who presented life‐threatening acute respiratory failure from severe bilateral bronchial stenosis.
Designer Peptide Dendrons and Dendrimers Based Soft Materials Through Self‐Assembly
Authors: Haridas V. , Kumar P. P. Praveen , Dhawan Sameer , Devaki Sudha J
Published: September 2016

A series of new aspartic and glutamic acid based peptide dendrons and dendrimers were designed and synthesized. The supramolecular assembly of these novel molecules were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. The dendrons and dendrimers formed gel in aqueous or in organic phase with excellent storage modulus as measured by rheometry. Glutamic acid‐based higher generation dendrons and dendrimers showed a minimum gelation concentration as low as 1 wt/v (%) in CHCl3. Interestingly, the higher generation dendrimers 5 d, 6 d, and 7 d gelated even polar solvent DMSO. The lipidated peptide dendrons showed thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior with the formation of columnar and smectic phase as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarization optical microscopy (POM). These lipidated peptides exhibited well‐ordered specific modes of self‐assembly and hence could be exploited for several applications such as drug delivery vehicles and in tissue engineering.
Temperature‐Controlled High‐Speed AFM: Real‐Time Observation of Ripple Phase Transitions
Authors: Takahashi Hirohide , Miyagi Atsushi , Redondo‐Morata Lorena , Scheuring Simon
Published: September 2016

With nanometer lateral and Angstrom vertical resolution, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has contributed unique data improving the understanding of lipid bilayers. Lipid bilayers are found in several different temperature‐dependent states, termed phases; the main phases are solid and fluid phases. The transition temperature between solid and fluid phases is lipid composition specific. Under certain conditions some lipid bilayers adopt a so‐called ripple phase, a structure where solid and fluid phase domains alternate with constant periodicity. Because of its narrow regime of existence and heterogeneity ripple phase and its transition dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, a temperature control device to high‐speed atomic force microscopy (HS‐AFM) to observe dynamics of phase transition from ripple phase to fluid phase reversibly in real time is developed and integrated. Based on HS‐AFM imaging, the phase transition processes from ripple phase to fluid phase and from ripple phase to metastable ripple phase to fluid phase could be reversibly, phenomenologically, and quantitatively studied. The results here show phase transition hysteresis in fast cooling and heating processes, while both melting and condensation occur at 24.15 °C in quasi‐steady state situation. A second metastable ripple phase with larger periodicity is formed at the ripple phase to fluid phase transition when the buffer contains Ca2+. The presented temperature‐controlled HS‐AFM is a new unique experimental system to observe dynamics of temperature‐sensitive processes at the nanoscopic level.
Governing in the Anthropocene: What Future Systems Thinking in Practice?
Authors: Ison Ray
Published: September 2016

The revealing and concealing features of the metaphor ‘earth as Anthropocene’ are explored in an inquiry that asks: In the Anthropocene what possible futures emerge for systems thinking in practice? Framing choice, so important yet so poorly realised, is the starting point of the inquiry. Three extant conceptual pathway‐dependencies are unpacked: governance or governing; practice or practising and ‘system’. New data on the organisational complexity within the field of cybersystemics is presented; new ‘imaginaries’ including systemic co‐inquiry and institutional recovery are proposed as novel institutions and practices to facilitate systemic transformations within an Anthropocene setting. The arguments of the paper are illustrated through a research case study based on attempts to transform water and/or river situations towards systemic water governance. It is concluded that future systems research can be understood as the search for effective ‘imaginaries’ that offer fresh possibilities within an Anthropocene framing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of biodegradable chitosan–rice‐starch nanocomposite films on post‐harvest quality of stored peach fruit
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Kalia Anu , Thakur Anirudh
Published: September 2016

A nanocomposite degradable chitosan–rice‐starch (CRS) film was prepared by incorporation of commercial (Comm.) and microbial synthesized silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using a solvent‐casting technique. The prepared films were characterized for thickness, surface color measurement, transparency, presence of crystalline features, surface topography, and surface elemental composition. The fabricated nanocomposite films were evaluated for antimicrobial activity and were observed to curb the growth of test Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) microorganisms in an in vitro media Petri plate study. The screened nanocomposite films were then tested to improve the shelf life of peach fruits (cv. Shan‐i‐Punjab) in packaging. The nanocomposite films with incorporated NPs decreased the overall surface microbial load and enhanced the shelf life of packed peach fruits as compared to unpackaged and packaged fruits with control film. The lowest percentage loss in weight (4.75%) was recorded in peach fruits packaged with film incorporated with Comm. Ag NPs. The lowest change in diameter (4.25–4.05 cm) and the highest ascorbic acid content (0.51 mg/g) were found in peach fruits packaged with films incorporated with Comm. ZnO NPs. The lowest percent (9.6%) increase in total soluble solids was observed for fruits packaged with films incorporated with Comm. AgNPs. The microbial counts on the surface of the fruit was highest for the unpackaged control treatment and lowest for fruits packaged with Comm. Ag NPs. SEM study of the surface of the peaches showed the presence and adherence of microbial cells (bacteria, yeast, and fungi) on the trichomes and the fruit surface.
Concise Review: The Malignant Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Yao Juo-Chin , Link Daniel C.
Published: September 2016

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) proliferation, self-renewal, and trafficking are dependent, in part, upon signals generated by stromal cells in the bone marrow. Stromal cells are organized into niches that support specific subsets of hematopoietic progenitors. There is emerging evidence that malignant hematopoietic cells may generate signals that alter the number and/or function of specific stromal cell populations in the bone marrow. At least in some cases, the resulting alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment confer a competitive advantage to the malignant HSC and progenitor cells and/or render them less sensitive to chemotherapy. Targeting these signals represents a promising therapeutic strategy for selected hematopoietic malignancies. In this review, we focus on two questions. How do alterations in bone marrow stromal cells arise in hematopoietic malignancies, and how do they contribute to disease pathogenesis?
The role of stable isotopes in understanding rainfall interception processes: a review
Authors: Allen Scott T. , Keim Richard F. , Barnard Holly R. , McDonnell Jeffrey J. , Renée Brooks J.
Published: September 2016

The isotopic composition of water transmitted by the canopy as throughfall or stemflow reflects a suite of processes modifying rainfall. Factors that affect isotopic composition of canopy water include fractionation, exchange between liquid and vapor, and selective transmittance of temporally varying rainfall along varying canopy flowpaths. Despite frequent attribution of canopy effects on isotopic composition of throughfall to evaporative fractionation, data suggest exchange and selection are more likely the dominant factors. Temporal variability in canopy effects is generally consistent with either exchange or selection, but spatial variability is generally more consistent with selection. However, most investigations to date have not collected data sufficient to unambiguously identify controlling processes. Using isotopic data for improved understanding of physical processes and water routing in the canopy requires recognizing how these factors and processes lead to patterns of isotopic variability, and then applying this understanding toward focused data collection and analysis. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1187. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1187

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Methods
As Good as GOLD: Gram–Schmidt Orthogonalization by Another Name
Authors: Hunter Michael D.
Published: September 2016

Generalized orthogonal linear derivative (GOLD) estimates were proposed to correct a problem of correlated estimation errors in generalized local linear approximation (GLLA). This paper shows that GOLD estimates are related to GLLA estimates by the Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization process. Analytical work suggests that GLLA estimates are derivatives of an approximating polynomial and GOLD estimates are linear combinations of these derivatives. A series of simulation studies then further investigates and tests the analytical properties derived. The first study shows that when approximating or smoothing noisy data, GLLA outperforms GOLD, but when interpolating noisy data GOLD outperforms GLLA. The second study shows that when data are not noisy, GLLA always outperforms GOLD in terms of derivative estimation. Thus, when data can be smoothed or are not noisy, GLLA is preferred whereas when they cannot then GOLD is preferred. The last studies show situations where GOLD can produce biased estimates. In spite of these possible shortcomings of GOLD to produce accurate and unbiased estimates, GOLD may still provide adequate or improved model estimation because of its orthogonal error structure. However, GOLD should not be used purely for derivative estimation because the error covariance structure is irrelevant in this case. Future research should attempt to find orthogonal polynomial derivative estimators that produce accurate and unbiased derivatives with an orthogonal error structure.