bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different mechanisms of action of 2, 2’, 4, 4’‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) and its metabolites (5‐OH‐BDE‐47 and 6‐OH‐BDE‐47) on cell proliferation in OVCAR‐3 ovarian cancer cells and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Karpeta Anna , Maniecka Anna , Gregoraszczuk Ewa Łucja
Published: March 2016

Data concerning the possible action of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in hormone‐dependent cancer are scarce. Some data showed that PBDEs may directly affect breast cancer cells formation and only one research showed increased proliferation of the OVCAR‐3 cells, but the results are ambiguous and the mechanisms are not clear. There is growing evidence that not only parent compounds but also its metabolites may be involved in cancer development. The present study was, therefore, designed to determine the effect of BDE‐47 and its metabolites (2.5 to 50 ng ml–1) on proliferation (BrdU), cell‐cycle genes (real‐time PCR) and protein expression (Western blot), protein expression of oestrogen receptors (α β), extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase Cα (PKCα) in OVCAR‐3 ovarian and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. In OVCAR‐3 cells, the parent compound stimulated cell proliferation by activating CDK1, CDK7, E2F1 and E2F2. Independent of time of exposure, BDE‐47 had no effect on ERα and ERβ protein expression and ERK1/2 and PKCα phosphorylation. Metabolites had no effect on cell proliferation but increased both ERs protein expression and ERK1/2 and PKCα phosphorylation. In MCF‐7 cells, the parent compound displayed no effect on cell proliferation but decreased ERα and increased ERβ protein expression with concomitant induction of PKCα phosphorylation. Both metabolites increased MCF‐7 cell proliferation, ERK1/2 and PKCα phosphorylation and decreased ERα and ERβ protein expression.We suggest that studies concerning PBDEs with fewer bromine atoms should be continued to understand environmental links to different hormone‐dependent cancers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells Using a Novel Immunomagnetic Bead Method in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Ji Jin‐Ling , Jiang Yu‐Zhang , Tang Qian‐Qiu , He Xiao‐Dong , Shen Zuo‐Jun , Zhang Bai‐Yin
Published: March 2016

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are detectable in peripheral blood of metastatic lung cancer patients. In this article, we evaluate a new CTC separation method based on a combination of anti‐EpCAM and immunomagnetic beads with the aim to detect CTCs more conveniently and specifically.

Methods

Lung cancer cells were magnetically labeled by anti‐EpCAM magnetic beads, and subsequently captured by magnetic separation using our novel device. Isolated lung cancer cells were identified by pathomorphological by hematoxylin–eosin staining protocol. The system was used to detect CTCs in 2 ml blood. Blood samples of healthy donors spiked with lung cancer cell line A549 cells were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the method. Prevalence of CTCs was examined in samples from 56 patients with lung cancer.

Results

Regression analysis of number of recovered versus spiked A549 cells yielded a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.996 (P < 0.001). The average recovery was 68% or more at each spiking level. The coefficient of variation increased as the number of spiked cells decreased, ranging from 6.4% (1,000‐cell spike) to 18.4% (50‐cell spike). Forty‐nine of the fifty‐six patients (87.5%) were found to have CTCs in peripheral blood. None of the 2 ml peripheral blood samples of the 20 healthy subjects analyzed were found to have CTCs.

Conclusions

This novel turbulence device provides a new tool allowing for feasible and specific detection of CTCs in lung cancer patients. It is likely clinically useful in diagnosis and monitoring of lung cancer and may have a role in clinical decision making.
Serum From Advanced Heart Failure Patients Promotes Angiogenic Sprouting and Affects the Notch Pathway in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Pannella Micaela , Caliceti Cristiana , Fortini Francesca , Aquila Giorgio , Vieceli Dalla Sega Francesco , Pannuti Antonio , Fortini Cinzia , Morelli Marco Bruno , Fucili Alessandro , Francolini Gloria , Voltan Rebecca , Secchiero Paola , Dinelli Giovanni , Leoncini Emanuela , Ferracin Manuela , Hrelia Silvana , Miele Lucio , Rizzo Paola
Published: March 2016

It is unknown whether components present in heart failure (HF) patients’ serum provide an angiogenic stimulus. We sought to determine whether serum from HF patients affects angiogenesis and its major modulator, the Notch pathway, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In cells treated with serum from healthy subjects or from patients at different HF stage we determined: (1) Sprouting angiogenesis, by measuring cells network (closed tubes) in collagen gel. (2) Protein levels of Notch receptors 1, 2, 4, and ligands Jagged1, Delta‐like4. We found a higher number of closed tubes in HUVECs treated with advanced HF patients serum in comparison with cells treated with serum from mild HF patients or controls. Furthermore, as indicated by the reduction of the active form of Notch4 (N4IC) and of Jagged1, advanced HF patients serum inhibited Notch signalling in HUVECs in comparison with mild HF patients’ serum and controls. The circulating levels of NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal of the pro‐hormone brain natriuretic peptide), a marker for the detection and evalutation of HF, were positively correlated with the number of closed tubes (r = 0.485) and negatively with Notch4IC and Jagged1 levels in sera‐treated cells (r = −0.526 and r = −0.604, respectively). In conclusion, we found that sera from advanced HF patients promote sprouting angiogenesis and dysregulate Notch signaling in HUVECs. Our study provides in vitro evidence of an angiogenic stimulus arising during HF progression and suggests a role for the Notch pathway in it. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2700–2710, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman spectroscopy analysis of terra sigillata: the yellow pigment of marbled sigillata
Authors: Wang Tian , Sanchez Corinne , Groenen Jesse , Sciau Philippe
Published: March 2016

Raman spectroscopy combined with synchrotron radiation‐based techniques and electron microprobe was used to study the yellow component of slips of marbled sigillata. Electron microprobe analysis emphasized on a significant corpus that the yellow component was well made from a titanium‐rich clay preparation while X‐ray absorption near edge structure investigation at Ti K‐edge confirmed the massive presence of pseudobrookite (Fe2TiO5) in good agreement with previous study. Raman spectroscopy was correlated with X‐ray absorption near edge structure results in order to extract the Raman spectra of pseudobrookite, which was compared with these ones of synthesized pseudobrookite powder reference. The investigation of a significant corpus (43 sherds) of marbled sigillata revealed that all samples exhibited similar Raman spectra in yellow zones attributable to the pseudobrookite structure. However, all spectra show the same features compared with the spectra of reference powder, that is, peak shifts and line broadenings, which could be related to Mg and/or Al substitutions in pseudobrookite crystals of marbled sigillata. The substitution plays a dual role in pseudobrookite structure: (1) stabilizes the structure through involving an increase of cationic disorder and (2) makes the color less dark and yellow, which could account for the nice yellow color of marbled sigillata. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening and quantification of anticancer compounds in traditional Chinese medicine by hollow fiber cell fishing and hollow fiber liquid/solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Hu Shuang , Chen Xuan , Bai Xiaohong
Published: March 2016

Hollow fiber cell fishing, based on HepG‐2, SKOV‐3, and ACHN cancer cells, and hollow fiber liquid/solid microextraction with HPLC were developed and introduced for researching the anticancer activity ofRhizoma Curcumae Longae,Radix Curcumae, andRhizoma Curcumae. The structures of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin screened were identified and their contents were determined. The compound target fishing factors and cell apoptosis rates under the effect of the three medicines were determined. The binding sites (cell membrane and cell organelle) and binding target (phospholipase C) on the cell were researched. Hollow fiber liquid/solid‐phase microextraction mechanism was analyzed and expounded. Before the application, cell seeding time, growth state and survival rate, compound nonspecific binding, positive and negative controls, repeatability in hollow fiber cell fishing with high‐performance liquid chromatography; extraction solvent, sample pH, salt concentration, agitation speed, extraction time, temperature and sample volume in hollow fiber liquid/solid‐phase microextraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography were investigated. The results demonstrated that the proposed strategy is a simple and quick method to identify bioactive compounds at the cellular level as well as determine their contents (particularly trace levels of the bioactive compounds), analyze multicompound and multitarget entirety effects, and elucidate the efficacious material base in traditional medicine.
Probing sol‐gel matrices microenvironments by PGSE HR‐MAS NMR
Authors: Ferreira Ana S. D. , Barreiros Susana , Cabrita Eurico J.
Published: March 2016

We applied Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo diffusion with high‐resolution magic angle spinning NMR to study sol‐gel matrices used to encapsulate enzymes for biocatalysis (TMOS/MTMS and TMOS/BTMS) to gain insight into the local chemical microenvironment. Transport properties of solvents with different polarities (1‐pentanol, acetonitrile and n‐hexane) were studied through their apparent self‐diffusion coefficients. The spin echo attenuation of the solvents shows two distinct diffusion domains, one with fast diffusion (Dfast) associated with interparticle diffusion and another with slow diffusion (Dslow) corresponding to the displacement inside the pores within the sol‐gel particles. The analysis of the root mean square displacements at different diffusion times showed that the Dfast domain has a free diffusion regime in both matrices (the root mean square displacement is linearly dependent of the diffusion time), while the Dslow domain shows a different regime that depends on the matrix. We investigated the exchange regime between the two diffusion sites. In both matrices, n‐hexane was in intermediate exchange between diffusion domains, while the polar solvents were in slow exchange in TMOS/BTMS and in intermediate exchange in TMOS/MTMS. Data were fitted for TMOS/BTMS with the Kärger model, and the physical parameters were obtained. The results add to the evidence that the pores are a hydrophobic environment but that the presence of some free hydrophilic groups inside the pore, as observed in the TMOS/BTMS, has a key role in slowing down the exchange of polar solvents and that this is relevant to explain previously reported enzyme activity in these materials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperpolarized 13C‐lactate to 13C‐bicarbonate ratio as a biomarker for monitoring the acute response of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) treatment
Authors: Park Jae Mo , Spielman Daniel M. , Josan Sonal , Jang Taichang , Merchant Milton , Hurd Ralph E. , Mayer Dirk , Recht Lawrence D.
Published: March 2016

Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS provides a unique imaging opportunity to study the reaction kinetics and enzyme activities of in vivo metabolism because of its favorable imaging characteristics and critical position in the cellular metabolic pathway, where it can either be reduced to lactate (reflecting glycolysis) or converted to acetyl‐coenzyme A and bicarbonate (reflecting oxidative phosphorylation). Cancer tissue metabolism is altered in such a way as to result in a relative preponderance of glycolysis relative to oxidative phosphorylation (i.e. Warburg effect). Although there is a strong theoretical basis for presuming that readjustment of the metabolic balance towards normal could alter tumor growth, a robust noninvasive in vivo tool with which to measure the balance between these two metabolic processes has yet to be developed. Until recently, hyperpolarized 13C‐pyruvate imaging studies had focused solely on [1‐13C]lactate production because of its strong signal. However, without a concomitant measure of pyruvate entry into the mitochondria, the lactate signal provides no information on the balance between the glycolytic and oxidative metabolic pathways. Consistent measurement of 13C‐bicarbonate in cancer tissue, which does provide such information, has proven difficult, however. In this study, we report the reliable measurement of 13C‐bicarbonate production in both the healthy brain and a highly glycolytic experimental glioblastoma model using an optimized 13C MRS imaging protocol. With the capacity to obtain signal in all tumors, we also confirm for the first time that the ratio of 13C‐lactate to 13C‐bicarbonate provides a more robust metric relative to 13C‐lactate for the assessment of the metabolic effects of anti‐angiogenic therapy. Our data suggest a potential application of this ratio as an early biomarker to assess therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, although further study is needed, the results suggest that anti‐angiogenic treatment results in a rapid normalization in the relative tissue utilization of glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation by tumor tissue. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic Capabilities in Complex Projects: The Case of London Heathrow Terminal 5
Authors: Davies Andrew , Dodgson Mark , Gann David
Published: March 2016

Whereas existing approaches and empirical studies of dynamic capabilities focus on the strategic innovation activities of firms (i.e., permanent organizations executing multiple projects and programs), this article identifies how certain types of dynamic capabilities are required to deliver large, complex, and risky projects involving multiple parties. Our longitudinal study of the design and construction of Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 by the British Airports Authority (BAA) makes three main contributions to the literature: (1) It contributes to the project management literature by identifying how specific dynamic capabilities (BAA's “T5 Agreement,” strategic behaviors, and collaborative processes) are developed through a three-phase process (learning, codifying, and mobilizing) to support the strategic management of complex projects. (2) While emphasizing their importance for the successful management of complex projects, our findings also underline the continuing fragility of dynamic capabilities. (3) The case study reveals their fluidity and balancing role with respect to demands for stability and change in complex, uncertain, and volatile project environments.
Floating in Space? On the Strangeness of Exploratory Projects
Authors: Lenfle Sylvain
Published: March 2016

This article deals with the management of exploratory projects and relies on a case study of the space industry to study their supposed strangeness compared with more traditional projects. Indeed, exploratory projects seem to be floating because they lack clear objectives, carefully defined work packages and phases, risk management plans, and so forth. We rely on advances in design theory to demonstrate that exploratory projects actually follow a different logic of expansion that can be managed. We conclude by discussing the contribution of the project mode to the structuring of exploration processes.
Proteomic analysis of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa: dealing with the issues of a non‐conventional yeast
Authors: Addis Maria Filippa , Tanca Alessandro , Landolfo Sara , Abbondio Marcello , Cutzu Raffaela , Biosa Grazia , Pagnozzi Daniela , Uzzau Sergio , Mannazzu Ilaria
Published: March 2016

Red yeasts ascribed to the species Rhodotorula mucilaginosa are gaining increasing attention, due to their numerous biotechnological applications, spanning carotenoid production, liquid bioremediation, heavy metal biotransformation and antifungal and plant growth‐promoting actions, but also for their role as opportunistic pathogens. Nevertheless, their characterization at the 'omic' level is still scarce. Here, we applied different proteomic workflows to R. mucilaginosa with the aim of assessing their potential in generating information on proteins and functions of biotechnological interest, with a particular focus on the carotenogenic pathway. After optimization of protein extraction, we tested several gel‐based (including 2D‐DIGE) and gel‐free sample preparation techniques, followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Contextually, we evaluated different bioinformatic strategies for protein identification and interpretation of the biological significance of the dataset. When 2D‐DIGE analysis was applied, not all spots returned a unambiguous identification and no carotenogenic enzymes were identified, even upon the application of different database search strategies. Then, the application of shotgun proteomic workflows with varying levels of sensitivity provided a picture of the information depth that can be reached with different analytical resources, and resulted in a plethora of information on R. mucilaginosa metabolism. However, also in these cases no proteins related to the carotenogenic pathway were identified, thus indicating that further improvements in sequence databases and functional annotations are strictly needed for increasing the outcome of proteomic analysis of this and other non‐conventional yeasts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomised observation, control and stabilization of waves
Authors: Privat Yannick , Trélat Emmanuel , Zuazua Enrique
Published: March 2016

The problems of observing, controlling and stabilizing wave processes arise in many different contexts ranging from structural mechanics to seismic waves. In a suitable functional setting, they are closely interconnected and sometimes completely equivalent. In a series of previous articles we have addressed the problem of the optimal design of sensors for purely conservative wave models. We analyzed a relaxed version of the optimal observation problem, considering the expectation of solutions under a randomisation procedure, rather than that where all possible solutions are considered in a purely deterministic setting. From an analytical point of view, this randomisation procedure had the advantage of leading to a spectral diagonalisation of the observations. In this way, using fine asymptotic spectral properties of the Laplacian, we disclosed the links between the geometric properties of the domain where waves propagate and the existence of optimal locations for the sensors or, by the contrary, the emergence of relaxation phenomena. Here we show that spectral randomised observability is equivalent to the property of spectral controllability by means of a discrete set of lumped controls acting everywhere on the domain, and distributed according to the shape of the eigenfunctions. Our results on optimal observation then find natural equivalents on the problem of optimal spectral control. We also give an interpretation of these results in terms of a feedback stabilization property, ensuring the exponential decay of the energy of solutions as time tends to infinity.
Net Fluorescein Flux Across Corneal Endothelium Strongly Suggests Fluid Transport is due to Electro-osmosis
Authors: Sanchez J. M. , Cacace V. , Kusnier C. F. , Nelson R. , Rubashkin A. A. , Iserovich P. , Fischbarg J.
Published: March 2016

We have presented prior evidence suggesting that fluid transport results from electro-osmosis at the intercellular junctions of the corneal endothelium. Such phenomenon ought to drag other extracellular solutes. We have investigated this using fluorescein-Na2 as an extracellular marker. We measured unidirectional fluxes across layers of cultured human corneal endothelial (HCE) cells. SV-40-transformed HCE layers were grown to confluence on permeable membrane inserts. The medium was DMEM with high glucose and no phenol red. Fluorescein-labeled medium was placed either on the basolateral or the apical side of the inserts; the other side carried unlabeled medium. The inserts were held in a CO2 incubator for 1 h (at 37 °C), after which the entire volume of the unlabeled side was collected. After that, label was placed on the opposite side, and the corresponding paired sample was collected after another hour. Fluorescein counts were determined with a (Photon Technology) DeltaScan fluorometer (excitation 380 nm; emission 550 nm; 2 nm bwth). Samples were read for 60 s. The cells utilized are known to transport fluid from the basolateral to the apical side, just as they do in vivo in several species. We used 4 inserts for influx and efflux (total: 20 1-h periods). We found a net flux of fluorescein from the basolateral to the apical side. The flux ratio was 1.104 ± 0.056. That difference was statistically significant (p = 0.00006, t test, paired samples). The endothelium has a definite restriction at the junctions. Hence, an asymmetry in unidirectional fluxes cannot arise from osmosis, and can only point instead to paracellular solvent drag. We suggest, once more, that such drag is due to electro-osmotic coupling at the paracellular junctions.
Disease-specific clinical trials networks: the example of cystic fibrosis
Authors: De Boeck Kris , Bulteel Veerle , Fajac Isabelle
Published: March 2016

This article describes the steps of the development and the structure of a disease-specific clinical trials network for cystic fibrosis in Europe. Activities such as reviewing study protocols, feasibility assessments, training and standardizing of procedures, and outcome measurements help to bring high-quality clinical trials to the patients. Cooperation with the pharmaceutical industry, other research networks, patient organizations, and regulatory agencies is very important throughout all activities.

Conclusion: The European Cystic Fibrosis Society—Clinical Trials Network facilitates the development of new treatments for a rare disease and could be a prototype for other diseases.

What is Known:• Clinical research has led to the first approved treatments targeting the basic Cystic Fibrosis defect.• For a rare disease like Cystic Fibrosis, multicenter international collaboration is needed to obtain solid evidence when testing possible new treatments.

What is New:• The Clinical Trials Network established by the European Cystic Fibrosis Society has grown to a fully operational network with well-defined structures, procedures and partnerships.• Standardization of outcome parameters, protocol review, feasibility assessment and other activities help to develop high quality, efficient, relevant and feasible clinical trials, with the aim to bring new treatments to the patients.
Association of cytomegalovirus infection with hypertension risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hui Jing , Qu Yuan-yuan , Tang Na , Liu Yong-min , Zhong Hua , Wang La-mei , Feng Qian , Li Zhen , He Fang
Published: March 2016

Background

Information regarding association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and essential hypertension (EH) risk is not consistent across studies. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association in detail.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the published literature from the PubMed and Embase databases for any study analyzing the association between CMV and EH risk. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI).

Results

Three studies involving 9657 patients were included in the meta-analysis, and the results showed a significantly increased risk of EH in patients with CMV infection. Overall, 79.3 % of the hypertension patients were CMV-positive, which was significantly higher than the percentage for controls (OR = 1.39, 95 % CI = 0.95–2.05, P = 0.017). There was significant heterogeneity among the studies included (I2 = 70.5 %). The funnel plot and Egger’s test also indicated no publication bias.

Conclusions

The results showed a significant association between CMV and EH, which indicates that CMV infection is a possible cause of EH.
Phase diagram of a multiple forces model for animal group formation: marches versus circles determined by the relative strength of alignment and cohesion
Authors: Kubo Yuki , Iwasa Yoh
Published: March 2016

Many species of fish, bird, and insect form groups of individuals that move together, called schools, flocks, or swarms, of characteristic shape and speed. Here we study a model that traces movements of many individuals, in which each individual moves at a constant speed, and changes its movement angle in response to its neighbors within a radius of interaction. Outside of a short range of separation (or repulsion), each individual changes moving direction to achieve a similar moving direction as its neighbors (alignment) and to move toward them (cohesion). Between each pair of individuals within an interaction range, both alignment and cohesion are at work simultaneously (multiple forces model). This is different from many other models for animal group formation in which only one of the two forces is at work (single force model), different forces operating in different zones of between‐individual distance. Depending on the relative strength of alignment and cohesion, our model produces groups of two distinct patterns: marches and circles. We showed the phase diagram of group patterns depending on the relative strength of alignment and cohesion. As the strength of alignment relative to cohesion increases, the shapes of groups change gradually in the following order: (1) circles, (2) mixture of circles and marches, (3) short marches, (4) long marches, (5) wide marches. We derived a formula for the spatial size of circles, which explains that the radius of circles does not change with the number of individuals, but it increases with moving speed and decreases with the sensitivity of moving direction to neighbors.
Molecular mode of action of NKP-1339 – a clinically investigated ruthenium-based drug – involves ER- and ROS-related effects in colon carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Flocke Lea S. , Trondl Robert , Jakupec Michael A. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: March 2016

Sodium trans-[tetrachloridobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (NKP-1339) is a clinically investigated ruthenium-based metal complex, which shows promising results in solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal carcinoma, and most distinctively in gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. In previous studies, fast binding to albumin as well as transferrin could be shown. The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which is diversely being exploited for tumor targeting, could therefore be applicable for NKP-1339. Here we studied the serum dependence of its biological activity in various methods, influencing its cellular accumulation, cytotoxicity as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS lead to Nrf2 activation, which is known to activate antioxidant response gene transcription. GRP78 down-regulation on the protein level suggests ER associated protein degradation (ERAD) as a mode of action, as RNA levels are only mildly affected. Another important part for the mode of action is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as different factors are highly upregulated on the protein level. For example PERK, a transmembrane receptor which is released by GRP78 when the ER is disturbed, is upregulated and phosphorylated. EIF2α is phosphorylated, which leads to an inhibition of CAP-dependent translation and other stress responses. The transcription factor CHOP (DDIT3), which promotes ER stress dependent apoptosis, is time and concentration dependently upregulated. Finally cytotoxicity tests could prove that inhibition of ER stress and ER stress-mediated apoptosis leads to decreased cytotoxic effects of NKP-1339, which highlights the involvement of this mechanism in the mode of action.
Biochemical Characterization of Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil Produced in Turkey
Authors: Uluata Sibel , Altuntaş Ümit , Özçelik Beraat
Published: March 2016

Varieties of the olive cultivar Arbequina have recently been cultivated in Turkey. The objective of the study is to characterize and evaluate extra‐virgin olive oils (EVOO) produced from Arbequina grown in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey. Major and minor components such as carotenoids, squalene, phenolics and tocopherols were studied to assess their effects on product quality and health benefits. The samples, identified as ArbqI and ArbqA, were from the Izmir and Adana provinces, respectively. Samples were analyzed by GC‐FID to determine fatty acid composition, sterol composition, TAG profile and squalene content. Individual phenolic fractions were analyzed by LC–MS/MS and tocopherol isomers were determined by HPLC. According to the results obtained from this study; Total phenolic content (TPC) of the samples were 454.68 and 50.86 mg Gallic acid/kg oil for ArbqI and ArbqA, respectively. Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol were determined to be the main phenols. The major tocopherol isomer found in ArbqI and ArbqA was α‐tocopherol with levels of 179.55 and 202.5 mg/kg oil, respectively. β‐Carotene levels in both samples were similar at 0.2 mg/kg. Findings of this study were compared with the literature on Arbequina olive oil produced in different countries. It was determined that Arbequina olive oil of high quality can be produced in Turkey, especially in the Aegean region.
Big data analytics in E-commerce: a systematic review and agenda for future research
Authors: Akter Shahriar , Wamba Samuel Fosso
Published: March 2016

There has been an increasing emphasis on big data analytics (BDA) in e-commerce in recent years. However, it remains poorly-explored as a concept, which obstructs its theoretical and practical development. This position paper explores BDA in e-commerce by drawing on a systematic review of the literature. The paper presents an interpretive framework that explores the definitional aspects, distinctive characteristics, types, business value and challenges of BDA in the e-commerce landscape. The paper also triggers broader discussions regarding future research challenges and opportunities in theory and practice. Overall, the findings of the study synthesize diverse BDA concepts (e.g., definition of big data, types, nature, business value and relevant theories) that provide deeper insights along the cross-cutting analytics applications in e-commerce.
Statistical significance does not imply a real effect
Authors: Leppink Jimmie , Winston Kal , O’Sullivan Patricia
Published: March 2016

None
Trust your struggle
Authors: Teunissen Pim W.
Published: March 2016

None
Exploring the Development of Reflective Capacity in Young People
Authors: Hickson Helen , Lehmann Jennifer , Gardner Fiona
Published: March 2016

People use reflection and reflective practice for many different reasons, including for self-care and to make sense of their experiences. In this study, social workers spoke about how they learned to be reflective, with many participants describing activities in their childhood that developed their reflective capacity. The aim of this article is to apply these ideas and examine the factors that enhance reflective capacity in children and young people. This research was part of a PhD study that involved interviews with 35 social workers in USA, Canada, UK and Australia. This exploratory study found that activities like story reading and asking children to reflect on their behaviour are early steps in the process of becoming reflective, but this needs to be followed up with conversations that deconstruct assumptions to make sense of experiences and explore multiple perspectives. This research is important for health and human service workers and others who want to develop reflective capacity in children and young people, particularly for children subject to disadvantage who need to overcome trauma and adversities.
Puffing-enhanced fuel/air mixing of an evaporating -decane/ethanol emulsion droplet and a droplet group under convective heating
Authors: Shinjo J. , Xia J. , Ganippa L. C. , Megaritis A.
Published: March 2016

Puffing of a decane/ethanol emulsion droplet and a droplet group under convective heating and its effects on fuel/air mixing are investigated by direct numerical simulation that resolves all of the liquid/gas and liquid/liquid interfaces. With distinct differences in the boiling point between decane and ethanol, the embedded ethanol sub-droplets can be superheated and boil explosively. Puffing, i.e. ejection of ethanol vapour, occurs from inside the parent decane droplet, causing secondary breakup of the droplet. The ejected ethanol vapour mixes with the outer gas mixture composed of air and vapour of the primary fuel decane, and its effects on fuel/air mixing can be characterised by the scalar dissipation rates (SDRs). For the primary-fuel SDR, the cross-scalar diffusion due to ethanol vapour puffing plays a dominant role in enhancing the micromixing. When the vapour ejection direction is inclined towards the wake direction, the wake is elongated, but the shape of the stoichiometric mixture fraction isosurface is not changed much, indicating a limited effect on droplet grouping in a spray. On the other hand, when the ejection direction is inclined towards the transverse direction, the stoichiometric surface is pushed further away in the transverse direction, and its topology is changed by the puffing. The trajectories of ejected ethanol vapour pockets can be predicted by the correlation obtained for a jet in cross-flow, and the vapour pockets may reach a few diameters away from the droplet. Therefore, in a multiple-droplet configuration, the transverse ethanol vapour ejection due to puffing may transiently change the droplet grouping characteristics. In simulation cases with multiple droplets, the interaction changing the droplet grouping due to puffing has been confirmed, especially for droplets in the most upstream position in a spray. This implies that puffing should be accurately included in the mixing and combustion modelling of such a biofuel-blended diesel spray process.
Fishlike rheotaxis
Authors: Colvert Brendan , Kanso Eva
Published: March 2016

Fish rheotaxis, or alignment into flow currents, results from intertwined sensory, neural and actuation mechanisms, all coupled with hydrodynamics to produce a behaviour that is critical for upstream migration and position holding in oncoming flows. Among several sensory modalities, the lateral-line sensory system is thought to play a major role in the fish ability to sense minute water motions in their vicinity and, thus, in their rheotactic behaviour. Here, we propose a theoretical model consisting of a fishlike body equipped with lateral pressure sensors in oncoming uniform flows. We compute the optimal sensor locations that maximize the sensory output. Our results confirm recent experimental findings that correlate the layout of the lateral-line sensors with the distribution of hydrodynamic information at the fish surface. We then examine the behavioural response of the fishlike model as a function of its orientation and swimming speed relative to the background flow. Our working hypothesis is that fish respond to sensory information by adjusting their orientation according to the perceived difference in pressure. We find that, as in fish rheotaxis, the fishlike body responds by aligning into the oncoming flow. These findings may have significant implications on understanding the interplay between the sensory output and fish behaviour.
Subcritical instability of finite circular Couette flow with stationary inner cylinder
Authors: Lopez Juan M.
Published: March 2016

The presence of endwalls in Taylor–Couette flows has far reaching effects, leading to dynamics that are qualitatively different from those associated with the idealized situation involving infinitely long cylinders. This is well known in the classical situation where the inner cylinder is rotating and the outer cylinder is stationary. The effects of endwalls in the centrifugally stable situation with stationary inner cylinder and rotating outer cylinder have not been previously considered in detail. The meridional flows induced by the endwalls lead to the formation of a thin sidewall boundary layer on the inner cylinder wall if the endwalls are rotating, or on the outer cylinder wall if they are stationary. At sufficiently high Reynolds numbers (non-dimensional rotation rate of the outer cylinder), the sidewall boundary layer has concentrated shear, the pressure gradient in the azimuthal direction (which is the streamwise direction for the boundary layer flow) is zero (the flow is axisymmetric) and the boundary layer thickness is constant. At a critical Reynolds number, the sidewall boundary layer loses stability at a subcritical Hopf bifurcation, breaking the axisymmetry of the basic state flow, and for Reynolds numbers slightly above critical, the basic state is unstable to a packet of Hopf modes with azimuthal wavenumbers clustered about the critical wavenumber. The early time evolution of the critical Hopf mode is a rotating wave whose behaviour is analogous to a Tollmien–Schlichting wave. As the Hopf modes grow with time, nonlinear interactions lead to modulations in the waves, localization of the disturbances and the evolution of concentrated streamwise vortical streaks which become very intense via vortex stretching.
Vortex interaction between two tandem flexible propulsors with a paddling-based locomotion
Authors: Park Sung Goon , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: March 2016

Schooling behaviours among self-propelled animals can benefit propulsion. Inspired by the schooling behaviours of swimming jellyfish, flexible bodies that self-propel through a paddling-based motion were modelled in a tandem configuration. This present study explored the hydrodynamic patterns generated by the interactions between two flexible bodies and the surrounding fluid in the framework of the penalty immersed boundary method. The hydrodynamic patterns produced in the wake revealed flow-mediated interactions between two tandem propulsors, including vortex–vortex and vortex–body interactions. Two tandem flexible propulsors paddling with identical amplitude and frequency produced stable configurations as a result of the flow-mediated interactions. Both the upstream and downstream propulsors benefited from the tandem configuration in terms of the locomotion velocity and the cost, compared with an isolated propulsion system. The interactions were examined as a function of the initial gap distance and the phase difference in the paddling frequency. The equilibrium gap distance between two propulsors remained constant, regardless of the initial gap distance, although it did depend on the phase difference in the paddling frequency.
Organizational governance of inter-firm resource combinations: The impact of structural embeddedness and vertical resource relatedness
Authors: Kim Sungho , Jin Kyuho
Published: March 2016

Firms not only combine resources within firm boundaries but tap into, acquire, or consolidate resources outside firm boundaries. Alliances and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are distinct vehicles for governing inter-firm resource combinations. Prior studies on the governance choice between them have relied on firm- or dyad-level attributes to explicate the choice firms make about the governance. However, any firm or dyad is a micro-structure embedded in networks that shape the flow of information and resources to the focal firm or dyad. In addition, although alliances and mergers and acquisitions involve either horizontal or vertical resource combinations, the vertical dimension of resource relatedness has been largely neglected in prior research. This study examines the impact of structural embeddedness and vertical resource relatedness on governance choice. We find that structural embeddedness is an important driver of governance choice and that a significant portion of resource combinations occurs along the vertical dimension of relatedness.
Towards a methodology to formulate sustainable diets for livestock: accounting for environmental impact in diet formulation
Authors: Mackenzie S. G. , Leinonen I. , Ferguson N. , Kyriazakis I.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to develop a novel methodology that enables pig diets to be formulated explicitly for environmental impact objectives using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. To achieve this, the following methodological issues had to be addressed: (1) account for environmental impacts caused by both ingredient choice and nutrient excretion, (2) formulate diets for multiple environmental impact objectives and (3) allow flexibility to identify the optimal nutritional composition for each environmental impact objective. An LCA model based on Canadian pig farms was integrated into a diet formulation tool to compare the use of different ingredients in Eastern and Western Canada. By allowing the feed energy content to vary, it was possible to identify the optimum energy density for different environmental impact objectives, while accounting for the expected effect of energy density on feed intake. A least-cost diet was compared with diets formulated to minimise the following objectives: non-renewable resource use, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, global warming potential and a combined environmental impact score (using these four categories). The resulting environmental impacts were compared using parallel Monte Carlo simulations to account for shared uncertainty. When optimising diets to minimise a single environmental impact category, reductions in the said category were observed in all cases. However, this was at the expense of increasing the impact in other categories and higher dietary costs. The methodology can identify nutritional strategies to minimise environmental impacts, such as increasing the nutritional density of the diets, compared with the least-cost formulation.
Nutritional regulation of long-chain PUFA biosynthetic genes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Gregory Melissa K. , Collins Robert O. , Tocher Douglas R. , James Michael J. , Turchini Giovanni M.
Published: March 2016

Most studies on dietary vegetable oil in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been conducted on a background of dietary EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n-3) contained in the fishmeal used as a protein source in aquaculture feed. If dietary EPA and DHA repress their endogenous synthesis fromα-linolenic acid (ALA, 18 : 3n-3), then the potential of ALA-containing vegetable oils to maintain tissue EPA and DHA has been underestimated. We examined the effect of individual dietaryn-3 PUFA on the expression of the biosynthetic genes required for metabolism of ALA to DHA in rainbow trout. A total of 720 juvenile rainbow trout were allocated to twenty-four experimental tanks and assigned one of eight diets. The effect of dietary ALA, EPA or DHA, in isolation or in combination, on hepatic expression of fatty acyl desaturase (FADS)2a(Δ6),FADS2b(Δ5), elongation of very long-chain fatty acid (ELOVL)5andELOVL2was examined after 3 weeks of dietary intervention. The effect of these diets on liver and muscle phospholipid PUFA composition was also examined. The expression levels ofFADS2a(Δ6), ELOVL5andELOVL2were highest when diets were high in ALA, with no added EPA or DHA. Under these conditions ALA was readily converted to tissue DHA. Dietary DHA had the largest and most consistent effect in down-regulating the gene expression of all four genes. TheELOVL5expression was the least responsive of the four genes to dietaryn-3 PUFA changes. These findings should be considered when optimising aquaculture feeds containing vegetable oils and/or fish oil or fishmeal to achieve maximum DHA synthesis.
β2-1 Fructan supplementation alters host immune responses in a manner consistent with increased exposure to microbial components: results from a double-blinded, randomised, cross-over study in healthy adults
Authors: Clarke Sandra T. , Green-Johnson Julia M. , Brooks Stephen P. J. , Ramdath D. Dan , Bercik Premysl , Avila Christian , Inglis G. Douglas , Green Judy , Yanke L. Jay , Selinger L. Brent , Kalmokoff Martin
Published: March 2016

β2-1 Fructans are purported to improve health by stimulating growth of colonic bifidobacteria, increasing host resistance to pathogens and stimulating the immune system. However, in healthy adults, the benefits of supplementation remain undefined. Adults (thirteen men, seventeen women) participated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised, cross-over study consisting of two 28-d treatments separated by a 14-d washout period. Subjects’ regular diets were supplemented withβ2-1 fructan or placebo (maltodextrin) at 3×5 g/d. Fasting blood and 1-d faecal collections were obtained at the beginning and at the end of each phase. Blood was analysed for clinical, biochemical and immunological variables. Determinations of well-being and general health, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, regularity, faecal SCFA content, residual faecalβ2-1 fructans and faecal bifidobacteria content were undertaken.β2-1 Fructan supplementation had no effect on blood lipid or cholesterol concentrations or on circulating lymphocyte and macrophage numbers, but significantly increased serum lipopolysaccharide, faecal SCFA, faecal bifidobacteria and indigestion. With respect to immune function,β2-1 fructan supplementation increased serum IL-4, circulating percentages of CD282+/TLR2+myeloid dendritic cells andex vivoresponsiveness to a toll-like receptor 2 agonist.β2-1 Fructans also decreased serum IL-10, but did not affect C-reactive protein or serum/faecal Ig concentrations. No differences in host well-being were associated with either treatment, although the self-reported incidence of GI symptoms and headaches increased during theβ2-1 fructan phase. Althoughβ2-1 fructan supplementation increased faecal bifidobacteria, this change was not directly related to any of the determined host parameters.
Impact of unilateral carbon dioxide laser posterior transverse cordotomy on vocal and aerodynamic parameters in bilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Asik M B , Karasimav O , Birkent H , Merati A L , Gerek M , Yildiz Y
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Carbon dioxide laser posterior transverse cordotomy is a common option for bilateral vocal fold paralysis. This study prospectively evaluated aerodynamic and acoustic effects of unilateral carbon dioxide laser posterior transverse cordotomy in bilateral vocal fold paralysis patients.

Methods:

The study comprised 11 bilateral vocal fold paralysis patients (9 females, 2 males), with a mean age of 46.6 ± 14.1 years. All patients were treated by laser posterior transverse cordotomy. Pre-operative and two-month post-operative assessments were conducted, including: dyspnoea scales, maximum phonation time measurement, spirometry and bicycle ergometry.

Results:

All subjective and objective aerodynamic parameters showed statistically significant improvements between the pre- and post-operative period. Objective spirometric and ergometric parameters showed a significant increase post-operatively. The changes in objective voice parameters (fundamental frequency (f0), jitter, shimmer, soft phonation index and noise-to-harmonic ratio) were statistically non-significant; however, there was a significant improvement in subjective voice parameters post-operatively, as assessed by the voice handicap index and grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scale (p = 0.026 and p = 0.018 respectively).

Conclusion:

Unilateral carbon dioxide laser posterior transverse cordotomy is an effective procedure that results in improved dyspnoea and aerodynamic performance with some worsening of voice parameters.