bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of monetary penalties for environmental violations
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Bhuiyan Md Borhan Uddin
Published: February 2017

This research investigates the likely determinants of monetary penalties for poor environmental performance. We retrieve data from Bloomberg on the monetary penalties imposed on companies in the European Union (EU) found to have performed poorly in corporate social responsibility (CSR), and particularly in the environmental aspects of CSR. Our primary findings reveal that firms with high levels of greenhouse gas and hazardous waste emissions are more likely to receive monetary penalties. On the other hand, firms that invest in green supply chain practices and disclose environment‐related matters avoid monetary penalties more. We also find that firms having executive compensation linked with environmental compliance face more monetary penalties. This finding adds a new dimension to the voluminous research on executive compensation that has investigated primarily the effects of cash and stock option‐based compensation schemes on pay–performance sensitivities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A QCM‐D and SAXS Study of the Interaction of Functionalised Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Lipid Nanoparticles with siRNA
Authors: Tajik‐Ahmadabad Behnoosh , Mechler Adam , Muir Benjamin W. , McLean Keith , Hinton Tracey M. , Separovic Frances , Polyzos Anastasios
Published: February 2017

Biophysical studies were undertaken to investigate the binding and release of short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) from lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). These carriers are based on phytantriol (Phy) and the cationic lipid DOTAP (1,2‐dioleoyloxy‐3‐(trimethylammonium)propane). The nonlamellar phase LNPs were tethered to the surface of the QCM chip for analysis based on biotin–neutravidin binding, which enabled the controlled deposition of siRNA–LNP complexes with different lipid/siRNA charge ratios on a QCM‐D crystal sensor. The binding and release of biomolecules such as siRNA from LNPs was demonstrated to be reliably characterised by this technique. Essential physicochemical parameters of the cationic LNP/siRNA lipoplexes—such as particle size, lyotropic phase behaviour, cytotoxicity, gene silencing and uptake efficiency—were also assessed. The SAXS data show that when the pH was lowered to 5.5 the structure of the lipoplexes did not change, thus indicating that the acidic conditions of the endosome were not a significant factor in the release of siRNA from the cationic lipidic carriers.
What children recommend: Juvenile justice facilities
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2017

Last month, The Marshall Project, a not‐for‐profit journalism enterprise, wrote about some major changes in juvenile justice under consideration in California. The state asked previously incarcerated children and their families to recommend changes in juvenile detention in the state. The survey conducted by the California Board of State and Community Corrections is going to inform changes in juvenile justice facilities in the state.
Understanding — and using — the placebo response
Authors: Fritz Gregory K.
Published: February 2017

The placebo response fascinates me. Everyone agrees that it exists, but consensus stops there. People disagree as to whether it has a physiological basis or is purely psychological. They argue about whether to view it as a powerful clinical tool or the essence of clinical empiricism or a darn nuisance that confounds everything. There is also disagreement about whether it's ethical to intentionally encourage the placebo response with patients.
Ultrasound features of acinic cell carcinoma of the tongue: a rare case report
Authors: Ghode Tejashree Digambar
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

Histopathological diagnosis should be considered mandatory in benign‐appearing lesions, and the treatment choice should be surgical removal with adequate margins.
Interventional treatment for neuropathic pain due to combined cervical radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome: a case report
Authors: Vigneri Simone , Sindaco Gianfranco , Zanella Matteo , Sette Elisabetta , Tugnoli Valeria , Pari Gilberto
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

The coexistence of median and cervical nerve root damage might hide a complex pathophysiology. Here, we describe and discuss the case of a patient suffering from numbness and painful tingling of the hand, whose symptoms were effectively treated with pulsed radiofrequency and epidural administration of bupivacaine and morphine.
PLS‐ROG: Partial least squares with rank order of groups
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Partial least squares (PLS) have been used widely in metabolomics. Partial least squares can distinguish between groups but do not always reflect rank order of groups (eg, severity of diseases). We extended PLS by adding a differential penalty between mean of groups in PLS subspace. We named this method partial least squares with rank order of groups (PLS‐ROG). The PLS‐ROG can distinguish between groups and also can reflect rank order of groups. The selection of metabolites associated with a biological phenotype is highly important in metabolomics. The PLS‐ROG scores are represented as linear combinations of weight and the level of each metabolite. The weight is proportional to the correlation coefficient between the score of the response variable and the metabolite level when each metabolite level is scaled to unit variance. Using this feature, we selected significantly correlated metabolites based on the scores by applying statistical hypothesis testing of factor loading in PLS‐ROG. To demonstrate the practical application of PLS‐ROG for metabolomic data analysis, we applied PLS‐ROG 2 case studies. The PLS‐ROG scores tended to be associated with the biological phenotype that we focused attention on. Metabolites correlated with PLS‐ROG scores were selected, and some of these metabolites were consistent with the metabolites reported in the previously published studies from which we sourced the metabolome data. The results suggest that PLS‐ROG and its statistical hypothesis testing of factor loading can be useful to interpret metabolome data with rank order of groups.
Formation of δ‐Lactones with anti‐Baeyer–Villiger Regiochemistry: Investigations into the Mechanism of the Cerium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Coupling of β‐Oxoesters with Enol Acetates
Authors: Geibel Irina , Dierks Anna , Müller Thomas , Christoffers Jens
Published: February 2017

The cerium‐catalyzed, aerobic coupling of β‐oxoesters with enol acetates and dioxygen yields δ‐lactones with a 1,4‐diketone moiety. In contrast to the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation (BVO), where the higher substituted residue migrates; in the case of this oxidative C−C coupling reaction, the less substituted alkyl residue undergoes a 1,2‐shift. An endoperoxidic oxycarbenium ion comparable to the Criegee intermediate in the BVO is proposed as a reaction intermediate and submitted to conformational analysis by computational methods. As a result, the inverse regiochemistry is explained by a primary stereoelectronic effect. A Hammett analysis using different donor‐ and acceptor‐substituted enol esters provides support for the oxycarbenium ion being the crucial intermediate in the rate determining step of the conversion. An overall mechanism is suggested with a radical chain reaction for the formation of endoperoxides from β‐oxoesters, enol acetates and dioxygen with a cerium(IV) species as initiating reagent.
Leachate treatment using supercritical water
Authors: Ferreira‐Pinto Leandro , Feihrmann Andresa Carla , Tavares Célia Regina Granhen , dos Reis Coimbra Jane Selia , Saldaña Marleny D. A. , Vedoy Diogenes R. L. , Cardozo‐Filho Lúcio
Published: February 2017

This work reports new experimental data for the oxidation degradation of landfill leachate using supercritical water treatment (ScWO) without addition of any oxidants. The treatment reduced significantly the original concentration of pollutant compounds in the liquid waste. The parameters used to evaluate the efficiency of the treatment (and leachate degradation) were chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), turbidity, colour, and absorbance. The experiments were conducted using a continuous flow reactor built in Inconel 625. The degradation oxidation reactions were carried out using temperature between 350 and 600 °C (for COD intial concentrations of 1580 mg · L−1) and between 450 and 700 °C (for COD intial concentrations of 2000 mg · L−1), pressures of 15 and 22.5 MPa, feed streams of 6 and 12 g · min−1, and reaction operation time of 40 min. Increasing pressure improved degradation of organic pollutant compounds, whereas the increase of the feed flow rate did not show any positive effect on the performance of the treatment. However, the most important factor on the degradation of leachate was temperature; increasing temperature from 350 to 600 °C reduced COD level in 31.3 and 34.4 % for 15 and 22.5 MPa, respectively. Hydrogen was the gas produced in the highest amount for all the experimental conditions studied. The results suggested that supercritical water is a promising technique to treat leachate and consequently reduce its pollutant capacity. Thus, the data presented here can be used as a basis for future studies.
Realization of a transfer function as a passive two‐port RC ladder network with a specified gain
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Michael Z. Q. , Chen Guanrong
Published: February 2017

This paper is concerned with the realization problem for a class of high‐pass as well as low‐pass transfer functions as a two‐port RC ladder network with a specified gain, which requires that the actual gain of the realization configuration is equal to the gain of the given transfer function. From a cascade realization approach, it is shown that any transfer function belonging to the class under investigation can be realized as a two‐port RC ladder network with any specified gain in a continuous interval. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the result. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heuristic‐based link quality preservation for reliable data delivery
Authors: K. Gokila , Ila. Vennila
Published: February 2017

During the link failure conditions in Voice over Internet Protocol applications, the backup of routing information is an important requirement to offer the reliable data delivery to the destination. But the maintenance of multiple paths is the difficult and time consuming for the dynamic environment. But the hops reduction between the source and destination and the interference occurrence causes the transmission in multiple times and that leads to minimum network lifetime. Hence, the preservation of link between the multiple hops is the necessary task to improve the performance. This paper validates the link quality with the 4 measures as received signal strength indicator, bandwidth, node mobility, and the number of connections. The link quality factor (LQF) measurement considers the signal and noise level in 5 operating conditions to allow the automatic identification of closest neighbors and their location. The integration of tabu list and the heuristic‐based fitness search algorithm constructs the routing path and updates the path to identify the link failure. The LQF estimation and the dynamic update provide an efficient data delivery path with less number of iterations. The comparative analysis between the proposed hybrid tabu‐heuristic–based LQF with the existing protocols such as Adhoc On‐Demand Vector (AODV), Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR), and the Interference‐based Topology Control algorithm for Delay‐constrained (ITCD) proves the effectiveness of tabu‐heuristic–based LQF regarding the throughput, energy, packet delivery ratio with the minimum delay, and rebroadcasting probabilities.
Bis(salicylato)borate as Versatile Sensitizer for Highly Luminescent Lanthanide Oxoborates from the Ultraviolet to Near Infrared with 4f and 5d Participation of the Lanthanides
Authors: Zottnick Sven H. , Sprenger Jan A. P. , Finze Maik , Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus
Published: February 2017

Several lanthanide bis(salicylato)borate (BSBs) compounds were synthesized from anhydrous lanthanide chlorides and pyridine (py). The reactions start with the formation of small complexes, as indicated by [ErCl2(py)4(BSB)], on to 1D polymers 1∞[Ln(BSB)3(py)2] (Ln = Y, La–Nd, Sm) with a reduced py content. As the lanthanide radii contract along the lanthanide (Ln) series, the formation of 2D networks of the constitution 2∞[Ln(BSB)3(py)] (Ln = Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Er) is observed with the further release of py. The coordination polymers exhibit intense photoluminescence from the UV to the near‐infrared (NIR) region through lanthanide‐specific 4f–4f emission for the Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Tb3+, and Dy3+ species. The emission is remarkable for the Dy3+ (yellow‐white) and Nd3+ (NIR) species owing to the sensitizer effects of the [BSB]– anion, which shows energy transfer to most Ln ions. For the Ce3+ species, the participation of 5d states is observed and produces parity‐allowed broadband 5d–4f emission. The bis(salicylato)borate ligand shows fluorescence in the UV with a short lifetime of only 2 ns, which makes the energy transfer in the other Ln compounds remarkable and marks it as versatile sensitizer for these metal ions.
SPEEK/Zeolite/Ionic‐Liquid Anhydrous Polymer Membranes for Fuel‐Cell Applications
Authors: da Trindade Letícia G. , Pereira Ernesto C.
Published: February 2017

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/zeolite/ionic‐liquid composite membranes were prepared with different amounts of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([C4MI]CF3SO3) or 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([C10MI]CF3SO3) ionic liquids (ILs). The structure of the composite membranes was investigated by FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and by thermogravimetric analyses. The introduction of the IL, encapsulated in zeolite, into the SPEEK polymer leads to improvement of the water uptake, thermal stability, and proton conductivity of the composite membranes, compared with pristine SPEEK. The proton conductivity of the membranes with 1.5 % and 2.0 % [C4MI]CF3SO3 IL showed values of 3.34 mS cm–1 and 5.98 mS cm–1, respectively, under anhydrous conditions at 80 °C. The conductivity obtained for these membranes is about 100 times higher than for pristine SPEEK (0.038 mS cm–1).
Light on Unsaturated Hydrocarbons – “Gotta Heterofunctionalize Them All”
Authors: Menigaux Doriane , Belmont Philippe , Brachet Etienne
Published: February 2017

Carbon–heteroatom bond formation is a long‐standing hot topic in organic chemistry owing to the ubiquitous presence of these bonds in organic molecules. A major pathway to form them is the heterofunctionalization of unsaturated moieties mediated by transition metals or radical initiators. Recently, visible‐light catalysis has become a powerful method for the synthesis of many chemical bonds, and carbon–heteroatom bond formation has attracted the particular attention of photochemists. In this review, we highlight recent advances in visible‐light photocatalysis for the formation of C–N, C–O, C–S, and C–P bonds through the hydro‐ or carbo‐heterofunctionalization reactions of unsaturated partners.
Age‐related changes in pain sensitivity in healthy humans: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: El Tumi H. , Johnson M.I. , Dantas P.B.F. , Maynard M.J. , Tashani O.A.
Published: February 2017

Literature suggests that pain perception diminishes in old age. The most recent review used search strategies conducted over a decade ago and concluded that study findings were equivocal. The aim of this systematic review, with meta‐analysis, was to determine age‐related changes in pain sensitivity in healthy pain‐free adults, children and adolescents. A search of PubMed, Science Direct, and PsycINFO identified studies that compared pain sensitivity response to noxious stimuli at different time points in the lifespan of healthy individuals. Selected studies were assessed for methodological quality and data pooled and meta‐analysed. Publication bias was tested using Funnel plots. Twelve studies were included in the review (study sample sizes 30–244 participants). Seven of nine studies found statistically significant differences in pain sensitivity response between old (mean ± SD 62.2 ± 3.4 to 79 ± 4 years) and younger adults (22 ± 1.5 to 39.1 ± 8.8 years), but the direction of change was inconsistent. Meta‐analysis found that pressure pain threshold was lower in old adults compared with younger adults (p = 0.018, I2 = 60.970%). There were no differences in contact heat pain thresholds between old and younger adults (p = 0.0001, I2 = 90.23%). Three studies found that younger children (6–8.12 years) were more sensitive to noxious stimuli than older children (9–14 years). Methodological quality of studies was high, with a low risk of publication bias. There was substantial statistical and methodological heterogeneity. There is tentative evidence that pressure pain threshold was lower in old adults compared with younger adults, with no differences in heat pain thresholds. Further studies are needed.

Significance

There is tentative evidence that old adults may be more sensitive to mechanically‐evoked pain but not heat‐evoked pain than young adults. There is a need for further studies on age‐related changes in pain perception.
The development and assessment of the Worry About Pain Questionnaire
Authors: Lefebvre J.C. , Jensen M.P. , Waters S.J. , Molton I.R. , Keefe F.J. , Caldwell D.S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Worry can be conceptualized as a cognitive–affective automatic process initiated in order to address uncertainty and potential personal inadequacies that could result in negative outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to develop a measure of pain‐specific worry – the Worry About Pain Questionnaire (WAPQ).

Method

In study 1, responses of 335 pain‐free participants were used to complete an item analysis and exploratory factors analysis to develop and assess the internal structure of the WAPQ. Study 2 included 224 pain‐free participants who completed the WAPQ in order to confirm its factor structure, and to examine its relation to the experience of acute experimental pain. In study 3, 137 individuals with persistent pain were asked to complete the WAPQ as well as measures of pain and depressive symptoms.

Results

The resulting 15‐item measure assesses uncertainties and potential negative outcomes related to the experience of pain. The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed a two‐factor structure. Across all studies, the WAPQ was found to be related to measures of pain in clinical and non‐clinical samples, acute experimental pain stimuli, as well as pain anxiety, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, rumination and depressive symptomatology.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the WAPQ is a reliable and valid measure for the assessment of worry about pain that can be used to understand how pain‐specific worries are related to the experience and impact of pain across different populations.

Significance

Worry has been assessed in pain populations using measures that assess worry in general. The current study shows a relationship between pain‐specific worry and the experience of pain. Further, worry about pain is related to but not synonymous with pain catastrophizing.
Polyethylenimine Applications in Carbon Dioxide Capture and Separation: From Theoretical Study to Experimental Work
Authors: Shen Xinhua , Du Hongbo , Mullins Riley H. , Kommalapati Raghava R.
Published: February 2017

Solid absorbents made with polyethylenimine (PEI), which is loaded on different porous substrates, are promising for postcombustion carbon dioxide capture. Herein, theoretical studies of polyamine applications, including PEI for carbon dioxide capture, are reviewed and the development of experimental work on carbon dioxide capture by using PEI summarized. The mechanisms of carbon dioxide capture are discussed at different reaction sites of the polyamines, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups. Experimental achievements in carbon dioxide capture are investigated by the incorporation of PEI with different support materials, such as mesoporous silica; nanotubes; membranes; and other materials, such as alumina, zeolite, resin, metal–organic frameworks, and glass fibers, through impregnation, grafting, and synthesis. The excellent carbon dioxide capture capacity and great stability of PEI‐impregnated nanomaterials highlight PEI as one of the greatest candidates for carbon dioxide capture from flue gas or air.
Estimation of carbon dioxide equilibrium adsorption isotherms using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) and regression models
Authors: Saghafi Hamidreza , Arabloo Milad
Published: February 2017

Removal of CO2 from industrial facilities such as refineries and power plants for emission reduction has attracted considerable interest. Among currently used CO2 capturing processes, the use of microporous solids is considered to be one of the most promising approaches. A description of the CO2 adsorption on microporous material focuses on some captivating problems of present adsorption studies. In present study, robust and accurate methods are designed for the estimation of CO2 adsorption onto microporous solids as a function of CO2 partial pressure and temperature. The performance and accuracy of the developed models were tested and validated by their ability to predict the literature data. It was concluded that the designed adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) models and mathematical equations demonstrated a superior predictive performance on estimation of CO2 adsorption data over well‐known classic adsorption isotherms. Findings of present study indicate that the neuro‐fuzzy modeling approach is a practicable method for analysis and design of CO2 separation and purification technology. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1374–1382, 2017
Sedimentologically significant tributaries: catchment‐scale controls on sediment (dis)connectivity in the Lockyer Valley, SEQ, Australia
Authors: Lisenby Peyton E. , Fryirs Kirstie A.
Published: February 2017

The nature of catchment‐scale sediment (dis)connectivity is the primary influence on sediment delivery to trunk streams and controls the particle size distribution of channel bed sediments. Here, we examine the distribution of major sediment buffers (floodplains, terraces, alluvial fans, trapped tributary fills), barriers (weirs), and effective catchment area (i.e. sediment contributing area) to characterize the potential for coarse sediment (dis)connectivity in 20 tributaries of Lockyer Creek, in the Lockyer Valley, SEQ. We then analyse the distribution of trunk stream sedimentary links to determine how certain tributaries or disconnecting features (buffers and barriers) influence downstream patterns of bed sediment fining along Lockyer Creek. We find that buffering increases downstream in the Lockyer Valley, and that tributary position and shape influence the space available for sediment buffering. Correspondingly, the spatial extent of sediment buffers impacts the distribution of effective catchment area, which influences the sedimentological significance of individual tributaries. Tributary sediment connectivity, the extent of overbank flows (floodwater zones), and weir locations all exert an additional influence on the distribution of sediment links along the trunk stream. These controls are related to the physiographic and climatic setting of the Lockyer Valley, and anthropogenic influences in this system. We conclude that controls on sediment connectivity and bed load sediment characteristics are highly variable between catchments, and that sediment (dis)connectivity merits equal consideration with tributary basin/channel size when determining controls on tributary–trunk stream relationships and channel sediment regime. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of precooking and polyphosphate treatment on the quality of microwave cooked catfish fillets
Authors: Li Carissa H. , Bland John M. , Bechtel Peter J.
Published: February 2017

In the U.S. market place, there are many examples of precooked poultry products designed to be reheated in a microwave oven and, to a lesser extent, fish products such as tilapia. However, few U.S. catfish products are designed to be microwave cooked or reheated. The first objective of this study was to examine the properties of microwave cooked raw frozen catfish fillets and oven precooked (to 62.8°C) frozen fillets and then reheated by microwave cooking. The second objective was to evaluate changes in properties as a consequence of treatment with a commercial polyphosphate blend (Individually Quick Frozen [IQF]). The sample analysis included weight loss, proximate content, color (CIE L*a*b*), pH, mechanical texture (hardness), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) measurements. Frozen fillets which contained polyphosphate showed <4% moisture loss after microwave cooking, relative to a 12% moisture loss for fillets without polyphosphate. A large cooking loss of ~40% was observed for precooked fillets after microwave cooking, correlated with a higher percent moisture loss (11% and 13% for fillets with and without polyphosphate, respectively) to comparable samples that were not precooked. For both types of fillets, an increased amount of yellow color was observed for precooked fillets after microwave cooking, relative to comparable fillets that were not precooked. Fillet hardness determined by peak force revealed an overall harder texture (~1.1–1.8 times) for fillets without polyphosphate than fillets with polyphosphate. This study will be used to develop precooked catfish products that can be reheated in a microwave oven.
Constraints on Formulary Design Under the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Andersen Martin
Published: February 2017

I study the effect of prescription drug essential health benefits (EHB) requirements from the Affordable Care Act on prescription drug formularies of health insurance marketplace plans. The EHB regulates the number of drugs covered but leaves other dimensions (cost sharing and utilization management) of the formulary unregulated. Using data on almost all formularies in the country, I demonstrate that requiring insurers to cover one additional drug adds 0.22 drugs (3.3%) to the average formulary, mostly owing to firms increasing the number of drugs covered to comply with the EHB requirement. The EHB requirement also increases the probability that a drug is subject to utilization management and is assigned to a higher (more costly) formulary tier. My results suggest that newly covered drugs are 22.3 percentage points more likely to be subject to utilization management, compared to 36.7% for the average covered drug. Using formularies for Medicare Advantage plans, which are subject to uniform, nationwide benefit design standards, and the formulary status of newly approved drugs that do not satisfy the EHB requirement, I reject the hypotheses that consumer demand or effects on plan entry can explain my results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a newly developed quantitative determination kit for tumor marker CA15‐3 with chemiluminescent assay
Authors: Li Peihua , Ye Huiming , Liu Jiangwu , Jin Hongwei , Lin Yongzhi , Yan Shuidi , Yu Yang , Gao Lei , Xu Feihai , Zhang Zhongying
Published: February 2017

Background

Tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 15‐3 (CA15‐3) is used as a biomarker to aid to diagnose and monitor the prognosis of breast cancer patients. A new quantitative determination kit for CA15‐3 with chemiluminescent assay was developed by Xiamen InnoDx Biotech Co., Ltd, China. Therefore, we conducted the report to evaluate the performance of the kit.

Methods

According to the “Guiding principles on performance analysis of diagnostic reagents in vitro”, the calibration curve, limit of detection, reportable range, accuracy, precision, anti‐interference capability, cross‐reaction and comparison by measuring EDTA plasma and serum were carried out. In addition, the kit was performed in parallel to electrochemiluminescence immunoassay kit (Roche) to analyze the correlation between the two kits.

Results

Regression equation of calibration curve of the kit was Y=0.7914X+4.1032 (R2=.990). Limit of detection was 0.0347 U/mL. The reportable range was 0.5‐2400 U/mL. Recovery ratio was 100.0%‐104.8%. Coefficient of variations (CVs) of within‐run and between‐run were 4.8%‐7.6% and 5.8%‐7.4% respectively. No remarkable interferences (all Bias% were less than ±10%) were detected when samples contained hemoglobin ≤183.8 μmol/L, bilirubin ≤340 μmol/L, triglyceride ≤18.1 mmol/L, or rheumatoid factor ≤400 U/mL. No cross‐reaction was present in the kit. Moreover, compared with the results from electrochemiluminescence immunoassay kit (Roche) in 345 serum samples, there was a satisfied correlation coefficient of 0.977 (P<.01), and the kit was simultaneously fit for the detection of EDTA plasma and serum samples.

Conclusion

The new kit validated satisfactorily, and it can be used for detecting CA15‐3 in clinical practice.
Detecting the polymorphism of TERF1 gene by an improved PCR‐RFLP method
Authors: Wang Pengpeng , Yang Yongli , Wang Sihua , Duan Xiaoran , Wang Tuanwei , Feng Xiaolei , Yan Zhen , Wu Yongjun , Yu Songcheng , Wang Wei
Published: February 2017

Background

Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) is a common and mature method of detecting the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). But, for the polymorphism site rs3863242 of telomeric repeat binding factor 1(TERF1) gene, there is no appropriate restriction enzyme to recognize it, which limits the research between the variants of rs3863242 and human diseases.

Methods

The reverse primer was designed based on turning the 3rd base T into the mismatch base G. After PCR amplification, a new restriction enzyme site was introduced into the TERF1 gene amplification products. Two hundred forty samples from Chinese Han individuals were genotyped to evaluate this method.

Results

A new restriction enzyme site for CviQI was introduced into the PCR products. The genotype frequencies of 240 samples from Chinese Han individuals were 4.17% for A/A, 29.58% for A/G, 66.25% for G/G respectively. The allele frequencies were 18.96% for A and 81.04% for G respectively. The genotyping results of PCR products were consistent with the gene sequencing result.

Conclusions

We developed a simple, direct and economical technique for analyzing the polymorphism of TERF1 rs3863242. It may be applied to the colony screening of other SNPs, mutation‐screening of tumor‐related gene or mutations in some specific genes on a large scale, in the future.
Soft tissue engineering with micronized‐gingival connective tissues
Authors: Noda Sawako , Sumita Yoshinori , Ohba Seigo , Yamamoto Hideyuki , Asahina Izumi
Published: February 2017

The free gingival graft (FGG) and connective tissue graft (CTG) are currently considered to be the gold standards for keratinized gingival tissue reconstruction and augmentation. However, these procedures have some disadvantages in harvesting large grafts, such as donor‐site morbidity as well as insufficient gingival width and thickness at the recipient site post‐treatment. To solve these problems, we focused on an alternative strategy using micronized tissue transplantation (micro‐graft). In this study, we first investigated whether transplantation of micronized gingival connective tissues (MGCTs) promotes skin wound healing. MGCTs (≤100 µm) were obtained by mincing a small piece (8 mm3) of porcine keratinized gingiva using the RIGENERA system. The MGCTs were then transplanted to a full skin defect (5 mm in diameter) on the dorsal surface of immunodeficient mice after seeding to an atelocollagen matrix. Transplantations of atelocollagen matrixes with and without micronized dermis were employed as experimental controls. The results indicated that MGCTs markedly promote the vascularization and epithelialization of the defect area 14 days after transplantation compared to the experimental controls. After 21 days, complete wound closure with low contraction was obtained only in the MGCT grafts. Tracking analysis of transplanted MGCTs revealed that some mesenchymal cells derived from MGCTs can survive during healing and may function to assist in wound healing. We propose here that micro‐grafting with MGCTs represents an alternative strategy for keratinized tissue reconstruction that is characterized by low morbidity and ready availability.
How different is a 3D‐printed replica from a conspecific in the eyes of a zebrafish?
Authors: Ruberto Tommaso , Polverino Giovanni , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: February 2017

Robotics is emerging as a promising tool for aiding research on animal behavior. The possibility of generating customizable, controllable, and standardized robotic stimuli has been demonstrated through a number of behavioral assays, involving vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the specific appraisal of the nature of robotic stimuli is currently lacking. Here, we attempt to evaluate this aspect in zebrafish, through a within‐subject design in which experimental subjects are faced with three experimental conditions. In the first test, we investigated sociability by measuring zebrafish response to a conspecific separated by a one‐way glass. In the second test, we studied zebrafish behavior in response to a 3D‐printed zebrafish replica actuated along realistic trajectories through a novel four‐degree‐of‐freedom robotic platform. Last, we investigated fear responses in a shelter‐seeking test. In agreement with our expectations, zebrafish exhibited an equivalent preference for live and robotic stimuli, and the degree of preference for the robotic replica correlated negatively with the individual propensity to seek shelter. The equivalent preference for the replica and conspecific suggests that the appraisal of the target stimuli is analogous. The preliminary evidence of a correlation between behavioral responses across tests points to the readability of robotics‐based approaches to investigate interindividual differences.
Size‐Dependent Consequences of Exogenous Cortisol Manipulation on Overwinter Survival and Condition of Largemouth Bass
Authors: Midwood Jonathan D. , Peiman Kathryn S. , Burt Aja E.W. , Sarker Mohammed Yusuf , Nannini Michael A. , Wahl David H. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: February 2017

Little is known about the size‐dependent consequences of stressors on wild animals, which is particularly relevant during winter where size‐specific trends in survival are common. Here, exogenous cortisol manipulation was used to investigate the effect of a physiological challenge on overwinter mortality and spring condition of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) across a range of body sizes. Fish were wild‐caught in the fall, assigned into either control or cortisol manipulated treatments, and held in replicated experimental ponds. For bass that survived the winter, length, mass, and health metrics (e.g., gonadosomatic index [GSI], hepatosomatic index [HSI], and water content) were determined in the spring. Winter survival was marginally lower for cortisol treated bass; however, there was no influence of initial length, mass, or condition on overwinter survival. When bass were grouped by size, survival was significantly higher for bass 300–350 mm in length compared to those <200 mm. The treatment did not strongly influence spring health metrics, suggesting that largemouth bass that survived the winter were able to recover from the effects of the cortisol elevation. Initial size and sex were linked to some spring health metrics, with large females having the highest GSI and HSI scores. Overall, results from this study do not support the notion that there are size‐dependent responses to cortisol manipulation in a teleost fish. Rather, this type of physiological challenge may modulate the natural rates of winter mortality that are primarily driven by starvation and predation, independent of body size, in subadult and adult largemouth bass.
Reconstructing late Holocene relative sea‐level changes at the Magdalen Islands (Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada) using multi‐proxy analyses
Authors: Barnett Robert L. , Bernatchez Pascal , Garneau Michelle , Juneau Marie‐Noëlle
Published: February 2017

Proxy records of late Holocene relative sea‐level changes are important for our understanding of mechanisms that drive contemporary sea‐level trends. In the Gulf of Saint Lawrence (eastern Canada), the Magdalen Islands currently experience higher than global average rates of relative sea‐level rise. This article presents original reconstruction data of sea‐level changes from the Magdalen Islands over the past few millennia collected from a variety of coastal deposits and proxy records including salt‐marsh foraminifera, testate amoebae and plant macrofossils. Reconstructed late Holocene relative sea‐level trends are between 1.3 and 2.0 mm a−1 for the past 2000 years. When combined with contemporaneous trends in tide‐gauge data from Cap‐aux‐Meules (Magdalen Islands), multi‐proxy data show acceleration in the rate of relative sea‐level rise to over 4 mm a−1 during the 20th century. This signal corresponds to similar inflexions also registered in salt marshes and tide‐gauge data along the east coast of North America.
Enhanced Antimetastatic Activity of the Ruthenium Anticancer Drug RAPTA‐C Delivered in Fructose‐Coated Micelles
Authors: Lu Mingxia , Chen Fan , Noy Janina‐Miriam , Lu Hongxu , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: February 2017

The ruthenium complex—dichlororuthenium (II) (p‐cymene) (1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane) (RAPTA‐C)—has shown to be remarkably effective at suppressing the growth of solid tumor metastases. However, poor delivery efficacy and the lack of targeting ability of the common drug delivery system pose significant obstacles to maximize the therapeutic benefit of RAPTA‐C. Inspired by the overexpression of GLUT5 transporter on the surface of breast cancer tissues but not the healthy mammary tissues, the use ofd‐fructose as the targeting moiety of the drug carrier can significantly improve the cellular uptake of nanoparticles, thus further enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of RAPTA‐C. In this work, fructose‐micelles and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA)‐micelles are prepared to investigate the difference in cellular uptake. It is found that glycopolymer leads to an increased uptake by breast cancer cells, while the HEA‐micelles show less uptake. This behavior is also reflected by the slightly faster movement of fructose‐coated micelles in MCF‐7 tumor spheroid models using light sheet microscopy as analytical tool. The incorporation of RAPTA‐C into micelles can enhance the inhibitory effect of the ruthenium drug demonstrated using invasion, chemotaxis, and haptotaxis assays. As a result, fructose‐coated nanoparticles can be a promising drug delivery platform of RAPTA‐C for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

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World Bank Technical Assistance: The Relational Dynamics of Policy Movement
Authors: Bazbauers Adrian Robert
Published: February 2017

The World Bank has been widely critiqued as a global governance actor capable of coercing and persuading its developing member countries to accept its policy recommendations. This article contributes to academic discussion by drawing upon the policy transfer and policy mobilities literatures to analyse the World Bank's two main pillars of technical assistance (TA): TA components (advisory services contained within lending operations) and stand‐alone TA projects (loans and credits that solely finance TA). Beginning from the constructivist position that ‘development’ is a social construct, the article argues that relational dynamics between TA provider and recipient affect the perception of the legitimacy of policy norms transferred from the ‘international’ to the ‘domestic’. The value added of the article is thus that policy legitimacy is not simply conferred by whether advice is technically sound but moreover through the social and political interactions—the relationship—between TA provider and recipient. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical specialists' attitudes to prescribing biosimilars
Authors: Hemmington Amy , Dalbeth Nicola , Jarrett Paul , Fraser Alan G. , Broom Reuben , Browett Peter , Petrie Keith J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Biosimilars are a cost‐effective alternative to biologics that could improve patients' access to expensive biological medicines. Currently, there are little data on doctors' perceptions of biosimilars and in what situations they are comfortable prescribing biosimilars. In this study, we investigated medical specialists' perceptions of biosimilars and the factors associated with the acceptance of biosimilars.

Methods

A national sample of 110 of 327 medical specialists working in the areas of rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, oncology and haematology completed an online questionnaire examining attitudes towards prescribing biosimilars, indication extrapolation and switching patients to a biosimilar.

Results

Most specialists held positive views of biosimilars, with between 54 and 74% confident in the safety, efficacy, manufacturing and pharmacovigilance of biosimilars. Seventy‐one percent of specialists agreed that they would prescribe biosimilars for all or some conditions meeting relevant clinical criteria. Specialists were less confident about indication extrapolation and switching patients from an existing biologic. Acceptance of biosimilars was significantly associated with a lower perceived time to explain a biosimilar to a patient and lower number of weekly patient appointments. The most common situations that they would not prescribe a biosimilar was where there was a lack of clinical data supporting efficacy (32%), or evidence of adverse effects (17%).

Conclusions

Medical specialists held generally positive attitudes towards biosimilars but were less confident in indication extrapolation and switching patients from a biologic. Providing clinicians with guidance on how to explain biosimilars to patients and written patient material may help overcome some of the barriers to the use of biosimilars. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid Crystals of Graphene Oxide: A Route Towards Solution‐Based Processing and Applications
Authors: Zhang Jizhen , Seyedin Shayan , Gu Zhoujie , Salim Nisa , Wang Xungai , Razal Joselito M.
Published: February 2017

The liquid crystalline behavior of graphene oxide (GO) has enabled the design of facile and effective solution processing methods for assembling highly ordered macroscopic graphene structures, further expanding the development of novel graphene‐based devices. In this progress report, first the preparation of liquid crystalline graphene oxide (LCGO) with a particular emphasis on different approaches to improve the oxidation efficiency and to control the GO sheet size is discussed. Then the use of LCGO dispersions in the solution processing of 1D, 2D and 3D architectures with highly tailored microstructures is covered. The LCGO composites are also reviewed as an important part of novel graphene‐based multi‐functional materials. Finally, various applications of LCGO are discussed to highlight the critical role of LCGO in expanding the applications of graphene. Based on these systematic discussions, an outlook on the future directions, challenges, and opportunities in this field is provided.
Comparing different techniques to assess the risk of dust drift from pesticide‐coated seeds
Authors: Foqué Dieter , Beck Bert , Devarrewaere Wouter , Verboven Pieter , Nuyttens David
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Although considered as a safe pesticide application method, treated seeds can pose environmental risks when abraded pesticide‐laden seed particles are expelled during sowing. This dust drift risk is clearly linked with seed coating quality. Seed coating quality is traditionally assessed with Heubach dust meters, and guidelines are established in terms of the ‘Heubach value’. This technique may, however, not take all drift‐sensitive particles into account. In this study, results of the Heubach test are compared with two alternative set‐ups: mechanical sieving and the individual sowing element.

RESULTS

The abrasion potential assessed with the Heubach dust meter was much lower than the total dust fraction generated by mechanical sieving and the individual sowing element. The amount of dust produced and the dust particle size distribution of both the other techniques were comparable.

CONCLUSION

It looks as if the Heubach dust meter underestimates the risk of dust drift. Using one of the alternative methods might be a more appropriate way to assess the abrasion potential of seeds. Given the low investment cost required, mechanical sieving seems to be a good approach for non‐specialised labs. The individual sowing element set‐up is the most realistic simulation of in‐field dust drift generation but requires a higher initial investment. Therefore, this set‐up is most suitable for specialised labs and is recommended for further research in this area. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of Diradical/Ionic Character on Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Property in Asymmetric Phenalenyl Dimers
Authors: Fukuda Kotaro , Matsushita Naoyuki , Minamida Yuka , Matsui Hiroshi , Nagami Takanori , Takamuku Shota , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Nakano Masayoshi
Published: February 2017

The dissociation behavior of the asymmetric hetero‐phenalenyl dimers is theoretically investigated from the viewpoint of the open‐shell singlet third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) systems. It is found that the second hyperpolarizability γ of all the investigated phenalenyl dimers exhibit bell‐shape behavior with maximum at the intermediate dissociation region, and that the γ value of the most effective asymmetric dimer reaches about 20 times the maximum of the original phenalenyl dimer. This behavior is clarified by the new definition of diradical/ionic characters, identifying that the significant enhancement of γ occurs in the intermediate ionic region as well as in the intermediate diradical region. The present result extends the concept of diradical character based design of NLO molecules toward ionic closed‐shell region in a realistic molecular framework, and demonstrates the intermediate ionic systems as a new target in the NLO molecules with open‐shell molecular frameworks.