bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding algorithm aversion: When is advice from automation discounted?
Authors: Prahl Andrew , Van Swol Lyn
Published: March 2017

Forecasting advice from human advisors is often utilized more than advice from automation. There is little understanding of why “algorithm aversion” occurs, or specific conditions that may exaggerate it. This paper first reviews literature from two fields—interpersonal advice and human–automation trust—that can inform our understanding of the underlying causes of the phenomenon. Then, an experiment is conducted to search for these underlying causes. We do not replicate the finding that human advice is generally utilized more than automated advice. However, after receiving bad advice, utilization of automated advice decreased significantly more than advice from humans. We also find that decision makers describe themselves as having much more in common with human than automated advisors despite there being no interpersonal relationship in our study. Results are discussed in relation to other findings from the forecasting and human–automation trust fields and provide a new perspective on what causes and exaggerates algorithm aversion.
Geochemistry of Oligocene Huagang Formation clastic rocks, Xihu Sag, the East China Sea Shelf Basin: Provenance, source weathering, and tectonic setting
Authors: Hao Lewei , Wang Qi , Tao Huifei , Li Xiaoyan , Ma Dongxu , Ji Hongjie
Published: March 2017

The East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) is an important tectonic unit of the western Pacific active continental margin. It is divided further into a series of sags and basement ridges. The Xihu Sag on the east margin of the ECSSB is an important hydrocarbon exploration area and contains significant petroleum resources. The Huagang Formation is the major reservoir in Xihu Sag, and its provenance has been the focus of debate at all times. The major and trace elements (including rare earth elements) compositions were analyzed for the Oligocene Huagang Formation sandstone and mudstone samples in the Xihu Sag. The provenance and tectonic setting of these clastic rocks are discussed. The Chemical Index of Alteration value and A–CN–K diagrams suggest low to moderate weathering in the source areas of the Huagang Formation. The mudstones have lower index of compositional variation values (<1), indicating that the mudstone samples are compositionally mature, whereas the index of compositional variation values for the sandstone samples (0.59 to 1.87) indicate that the sandstones are compositionally immature and mature. The major and trace element composition and ratios of the clastic rock samples indicate that mudstones are mainly from Late Mesozoic igneous rocks in SE China, which is dominated by the acidic volcanic rock. The provenance of sandstones is from two different directions, the Central Uplift Group of ECSSB and the Taiwan–Sinzi Fold Belt with more mafic volcanic rock. Based on the geochemical analysis of the clastic rock samples, the tectonic setting of Xihu Sag was Japanese‐type continental margin during the Huagang Formation deposition time (Oligocene).
Spanish version of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale‐2 for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Boycheva Elina , Contador Israel , Fernández‐Calvo Bernardino , Ramos‐Campos Francisco , Puertas‐Martín Verónica , Villarejo‐Galende Alberto , Bermejo‐Pareja Félix
Published: March 2017

Objective

We aimed to analyse the clinical utility of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS‐2) for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a sample of Spanish older adults.

Methods

A total of 125 participants (age = 75.12 ± 6.83, years of education =7.08 ± 3.57) were classified in three diagnostic groups: 45 patients with mild AD, 37 with amnestic MCI—single and multiple domain and 43 cognitively healthy controls (HCs). Reliability, criterion validity and diagnostic accuracy of the MDRS‐2 (total and subscales) were analysed. The MDRS‐2 scores, adjusted by socio‐demographic characteristics, were calculated through hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results

The global scale had adequate reliability (α = 0.736) and good criterion validity (r = 0.760, p < .001) with the Mini‐Mental State Examination. The optimal cut‐off point between AD patients and HCs was 124 (sensitivity [Se] = 97% and specificity [Sp] = 95%), whereas 131 (Se = 89%, Sp = 81%) was the optimal cut‐off point between MCI and HCs. An optimal cut‐off point of 123 had good Se (0.97), but poor Sp (0.56) to differentiate AD and MCI groups. The Memory and Initiation/Perseveration subscales had the highest discriminative capacity between the groups.

Conclusions

The MDRS‐2 is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of cognitive impairment in Spanish older adults. In particular, optimal capacity emerged for the detection of early AD and MCI. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and safety of biosimilar epoetin alpha in patients with chronic lymphoid neoplasms and chemotherapy‐induced anaemia: An observational, retrospective, monocentric analysis
Authors: Broccoli Alessandro , Argnani Lisa , Stefoni Vittorio , Gandolfi Letizia , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: March 2017

Epoetin biosimilars are an alternative to originator erythropoietic agents in the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced anaemia; however, their effects in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders remain unclear. This analysis examined the response of patients with lymphoproliferative disorders experiencing chemotherapy‐induced anaemia to 4‐ or 8‐week treatment with the biosimilar epoetin alpha. Treatment was initiated at first occurrence of haemoglobin (Hb) < 10 g/dL during chemotherapy and was stopped when Hb was >11 g/dL, when chemotherapy was completed, or in case of transfusion dependency. Response to epoetin alpha was defined as an increase in Hb of >1 g/dL or as an Hb > 11 g/dL. Stability was defined as change in Hb of ±1 g/dL, and no response was indicated by a decrease in Hb of >1 g/dL or acquired transfusion dependence. Overall, 65 patients were enrolled (median age 69 years; 47.7% ≥ 70 years old). Mean Hb levels at the initiation of epoetin alpha was 9.3 ± 0.5 g/dL. Mean Hb levels reached 10.7 ± 1.4 and 10.6 ± 1.5 g/dL at weeks 4 and 8, respectively, in patients on first‐line chemotherapy and 11.4 ± 1.6 and 9.7 ± 1.3 g/dL in those on a second‐ or higher‐line regimen. Overall, 70.8% of patients responded, 26.1% had stable Hb, and 3.1% did not respond. Delays or interruption of any chemotherapy cycle due to anaemia occurred in 18 patients. The biosimilar epoetin alpha was well tolerated and allowed patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic lymphoproliferative disorders to continue their course of chemotherapy by effectively increasing and maintaining adequate concentrations of Hb.
A methodology for regionalizing 3‐D effective porosity at watershed scale in crystalline aquifers
Authors: Dewandel Benoît , Caballero Yvan , Perrin Jérôme , Boisson Alexandre , Dazin Fabrice , Ferrant Sylvain , Chandra Subash , Maréchal Jean‐Christophe
Published: March 2017

An innovative approach for regionalizing the 3‐D effective porosity field is presented and applied to two large, overexploited, and deeply weathered crystalline aquifers located in southern India. The method derives from earlier work on regionalizing a 2‐D effective porosity field in that part of an aquifer where the water table fluctuates, which is now extended over the entire aquifer using a 3‐D approach. A method based on geological and geophysical surveys has also been developed for mapping the weathering profile layers (saprolite and fractured layers). The method for regionalizing 3‐D effective porosity combines water table fluctuation and groundwater budget techniques at various cell sizes with the use of satellite‐based data (for groundwater abstraction), the structure of the weathering profile, and geostatistical techniques. The approach is presented in detail for the Kudaliar watershed (983 km2) and tested on the 730 km2Anantapur watershed. At watershed scale, the effective porosity of the aquifer ranges from 0.5% to 2% in Kudaliar and between 0.3% and 1% in Anantapur, which agrees with earlier works. Results show that (a) depending on the geology and on the structure of the weathering profile, the vertical distribution of effective porosity can be very different and that the fractured layers in crystalline aquifers are not necessarily characterized by a rapid decrease in effective porosity and (b) that the lateral variations in effective porosity can be larger than the vertical ones. These variations suggest that within a same weathering profile, the density of open fractures and/or degree of weathering in the fractured zone may significantly vary from a place to another. The proposed method provides information on the spatial distribution of effective porosity that is of prime interest in terms of flux and contaminant transport in crystalline aquifers. Implications for mapping groundwater storage and scarcity are also discussed, which should help in improving groundwater resource management strategies.
The Inherent Power of Common Law Courts to Provide Assistance in Cross‐Border Insolvencies: From Comity to Complexity
Authors: Godwin Andrew , Howse Timothy , Ramsay Ian
Published: March 2017

The weighty and difficult issues associated with cross‐border insolvency have generated considerable debate over the last two decades. Legislative reform has typically proven slow and fragmented. This article analyses the inherent power of common law courts to grant assistance in cross‐border insolvency proceedings and the basis on which the inherent power is exercised. In doing so, it seeks to explore how the inherent power may continue to be of utility to common law courts. In particular, it considers the position in jurisdictions that are yet to adopt the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Model Law on Cross‐Border Insolvency or enact a substantial statutory regime for recognising and cooperating with foreign courts or representatives in insolvency proceedings. The article considers the benefits and disadvantages of continuing to recognise – and extend – the inherent power. It suggests that although there are fundamental differences concerning the exercise of the inherent power, it may be possible to agree on a number of principles that inform the application of the inherent power and its future development. Copyright © 2017 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Status update on women's reproductive health care and obstetrics/gynecology postgraduate training in post‐Ebola Sierra Leone
Authors: Chan Seay Rachel , Koroma Alimamy P. , Coleman Jenell , Johnson Clark T. , Ugwa Emmanuel A. , Anderson Jean
Published: March 2017

Academic partnership is needed to expand Sierra Leone's reproductive healthcare workforce after the Ebola virus disease epidemic.
Alumina at 50 and 13 nm nanoparticle sizes have potential genotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Qinli , Wang Haiyang , Ge Cuicui , Duncan Jeremy , He Kaihong , Adeosun Samuel O. , Xi Huaxin , Peng Huiting , Niu Qiao
Published: March 2017

Although nanomaterials have the potential to improve human life, their sideline effects on human health seem to be inevitable and still are unknown. Some studies have investigated the genotoxicity of alumina nanoparticles (AlNPs); however, this effect is still unclear due to insufficient evaluation and conflicting results. Using a battery of standard genotoxic assays, the present study offers evidence of the genotoxicity associated with aluminum oxide (alumina) at NP sizes of 50 and 13 nm, when compared with bulk alumina (10 μm). The genotoxicity induced by alumina at bulk and NP sizes was evaluated with Ames test, comet test, micronucleus assay and sperm deformity test. The mechanism related to the induction of reactive oxygen species was explored as well. Our results showed that AlNPs (13 and 50 nm) were able to enter cells and induced DNA damage, micronucleus in bone marrow, sperm deformation and reactive oxygen species induction in a time‐, dose‐ and size‐dependent manner. Therefore, we conclude that AlNPs (13 and 50 nm), rather than bulk alumina, induce markers of genotoxicity in mice, with oxidative stress as a potential mechanism driving these genotoxic effects. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of commercial methods of immunoblot, ELISA, and chemiluminescent immunoassay for detecting type‐specific herpes simplex viruses‐1 and ‐2 IgG
Authors: de Ory Fernando , Guisasola María‐Eulalia , Balfagón Pilar , Sanz Juan Carlos
Published: March 2017

Background

Serology for type‐specific herpes simplex virus (HSV) is based on the use of the respective glycoprotein G (gG).

Methods

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA; BIO‐FLASH®, Biokit, Spain), ELISA (HerpeSelect®, Focus, USA), and immunoblot (IB; Virotech, Germany) for detecting HSV‐1‐ and HSV‐2‐specific IgG were compared using 384 serum samples received for HSV serology. The samples were classified as positive or negative according to a consensus criterion.

Results

For HSV‐1, 262 samples were positive and 118 were negative (four samples were unclassifiable). IB showed agreement, sensitivity, and specificity values of 98.68%, 98.47% and 99.15%, respectively. The corresponding figures for CLIA and ELISA were 98.95%, 99.24% and 98.31%, and 98.16%, 99.62% and 94.92%, respectively. For HSV‐2, 106 samples were positive and 278 were negative. Agreement, sensitivity, and specificity of IB were 99.48%, 98.11%, and 100%, respectively. The corresponding figures for CLIA and ELISA were 99.48%, 99.06% and 99.64%, and 98.18%, 99.06% and 97.84%, respectively.

Conclusion

The three methods showed excellent and equivalent performance characteristics for the detection of type‐specific IgG to HSV‐1 and HSV‐2.
Involvement of testicular DAAM1 expression in zinc protection against cadmium‐induced male rat reproductive toxicity
Authors: Chemek Marouane , Venditti Massimo , Boughamoura Sana , Mimouna Safa B. , Messaoudi Imed , Minucci Sergio
Published: March 2017

In order to verify the effects of exposure to Cd and Zn on testicular DAAM1 gene and protein expression and also to ascertain their involvement in the protective role of Zn in prevent the testicular toxicity Cd‐induced in male offspring rats at adult age after gestational and lactational exposure, male offspring rats, from mothers receiving either tap water, Cd, Zn, or Cd + Zn during gestation and lactation periods, were scarified on postnatal days (PND) 70. The reproductive organ (testis, epididymis, and vesicle seminal) were collected, weighed, and analyzed. The results showed that exposure to Cd in utero and through lactation decreased the relative reproductive organ weight, altered the testicular histology at the interstitial and tubular levels, and causing a significant reduction in the daily sperm production (DSP) per testis and per gram of testis, and other then altering the epididymal sperm quality. Furthermore, both mRNA and protein expression of rat testicular DAAM1 were also inhibited in Cd‐treated group. Zn supply has completely corrected the most of these toxic effects. Our results imply that Zn could prevent Cd‐induced testicular toxicity and sperm quality alteration in adult male rat after gestational and lactational exposure, probably via the restoration of the testicular DAAM1 expression inhibited by Cd.
Retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor RORα regulates differentiation and survival of keratinocytes during hypoxia
Authors: Li Hongyu , Zhou Longjian , Dai Jun
Published: March 2017

Low O2 pressures present in the microenvironment of epidermis control keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier function through hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) dependent gene expression. This study focuses on investigating relations of the retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) to HIF‐1α in keratinocytes under hypoxic conditions. The expression level of RORα is significantly elevated under hypoxia in both human and murine keratinocytes. Gene silencing of RORA attenuates hypoxia‐stimulated expression of genes related to late differentiation and epidermal barrier function, and leads to an enhanced apoptotic response. While the hypoxic induction of RORα is dependent on HIF‐1α, RORα is in turn critical for nuclear accumulation of HIF‐1α and activation of HIF transcriptional activity. These results collectively suggest that RORα functions as an important mediator of HIF‐1α activities in regulating keratinocyte differentiation/survival and epidermal barrier function during the oxygen sensing stage.
Mechanism of prolactin inhibition of miR‐135b via methylation in goat mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Zhi , Luo Jun , Zhang ChangHui , Ma Yue , Sun Shuang , Zhang Tianyin , Loor Juan J.
Published: March 2017

Prolactin is an important endocrine activator of lactogenesis. This study investigated the function and mechanism of miR‐135b in the enhancement of lactation by prolactin in goat mammary epithelial tissue. We utilized S‐Poly (T) sequencing to evaluate changes in gene regulation in the goat mammary gland after incubation with 2.5 μg/ml prolactin and 2.5 μg/ml IGF‐1 by examining highly expressed miRNAs during early lactation and late‐lactation. The results illustrated that miR‐135b is highly expressed in the goat mammary gland during early lactation and late‐lactation, and also after treatment with 2.5 μg/ml prolactin and 2.5 μg/ml IGF‐1. We used Q‐RT PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence, and luciferase reporter assay analysis, and found that PRL was significantly down‐regulated in response to the expression of miR‐135b in a manner that was functionally related to TAG synthesis via the large tumor suppressor 2 gene (Lats2), an important regulator of adipocyte proliferation via Hippo Signaling. Furthermore, using bisulfite‐sequencing PCR (BSP), Q‐PCR, and Western Blot we discovered an increase in expression of DNMT I (DNA methyl transferase I) in goat mammary epithelial cells with the 2.5 μg/ml PRL incubation, which led to DNA methylation of the CpG island upstream of miR‐135b and inhibited the transcription and expression of miR‐135b.
miR‐124 and miR‐9 mediated downregulation of HDAC5 promotes neurite development through activating MEF2C‐GPM6A pathway
Authors: Gu Xi , Fu Congcong , Lin Lifang , Liu Shuhu , Su Xiaohong , Li Aili , Wu Qiaoqi , Jia Chunhong , Zhang Peidong , Chen Lu , Zhu Xinhong , Wang Xuemin
Published: March 2017

The class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) play important roles in the central nervous system during diverse biological processes such as synaptic plasticity, axon regeneration, cell apoptosis, and neural differentiation. Although it is known that HDAC5 regulates neuronal differentiation, neither the physiological function nor the regulation of HDAC5 in neuronal differentiation is clear. Here, we identify HDAC5 as an inhibitor of neurite elongation and show that HDAC5 is regulated by the brain enriched microRNA miR‐124 and miR‐9. We discover that HDAC5 inhibits neurite extension both in differentiated P19 cells and primary neurons. We also show that the neuronal membrane glycoprotein GPM6A (M6a) is a direct target gene of HDAC5 regulated transcriptional factor MEF2C. HDAC5 inhibits neurite elongation, acting at least partially via a MEF2C/M6a signaling pathway. We also confirmed the miR‐124/miR‐9 regulated HDAC5‐MEF2C‐M6a pathway regulates neurite development in primary neurons. Thus, HDAC5 emerges as a cellular conductor of MEF2C and M6a activity and is regulated by miR‐124 and miR‐9 to control neurite development.
The diversified function and potential therapy of ectopic olfactory receptors in non‐olfactory tissues
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhao Hong , Fu Nian , Chen Linxi
Published: March 2017

Olfactory receptors (ORs) are mainly distributed in olfactory neurons and play a key role in detecting volatile odorants, eventually resulting in the production of smell perception. Recently, it is also reported that ORs are expressed in non‐olfactory tissues including heart, lung, sperm, skin, and cancerous tissues. Interestingly, ectopic ORs are associated with the development of diseases in non‐olfactory tissues. For instance, ectopic ORs initiate the hypoxic ventilatory responses and maintain the oxygen homeostasis of breathing in the carotid body when oxygen levels decline. Ectopic ORs induce glucose homeostasis in diabetes. Ectopic ORs regulate systemic blood pressure by increasing renin secretion and vasodilation. Ectopic ORs participate in the process of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and invasiveness. Ectopic ORs accelerate the occurrence of obesity, angiogenesis and wound‐healing processes. Ectopic ORs affect fetal hemoglobin levels in sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. Finally, we also elaborate some ligands targeting for ORs. Obviously, the diversified function and related signal pathway of ectopic ORs may play a potential therapeutic target in non‐olfactory tissues. Thus, this review focuses on the latest research results about the diversified function and therapeutic potential of ectopic ORs in non‐olfactory tissues.
Fasting up‐regulates ferroportin 1 expression via a Ghrelin/GHSR/MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Qian‐Qian , Zhou Yu‐Fu , Chen Mesona Yung‐Jin , Liu Li , Ma Juan , Zhang Meng‐Wan , Zhang Fa‐Li , Ke Ya , Qian Zhong‐Ming
Published: March 2017

The significant positive correlation between ghrelin and iron and hepcidin levels in the plasma of children with iron deficiency anemia prompted us to hypothesize that ghrelin may affect iron metabolism. Here, we investigated the effects of fasting or ghrelin on the expression of hepcidin, ferroportin 1 (Fpn1), transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), ferritin light chain (Ft‐L) proteins, and ghrelin, and also hormone secretagogue receptor 1 alpha (GHSR1α) and ghrelin O‐acyltransferase (GOAT) mRNAs in the spleen and/or macrophage. We demonstrated that fasting induces a significant increase in the expression of ghrelin, GHSR1α, GOAT, and hepcidin mRNAs, as well as Ft‐L and Fpn1 but not TfR1 proteins in the spleens of mice in vivo. Similar to the effects of fasting on the spleen, ghrelin induced a significant increase in the expression of Ft‐L and Fpn1 but not TfR1 proteins in macrophages in vitro. In addition, ghrelin was found to induce a significant enhancement in phosphorylation of ERK as well as translocation of pERK from the cytosol to nuclei. Furthermore, the increased pERK and Fpn1 induced by ghrelin was demonstrated to be preventable by pre‐treatment with either GHSR1α antagonist or pERK inhibitor. Our findings support the hypothesis that fasting upregulates Fpn1 expression, probably via a ghrelin/GHSR/MAPK signaling pathway.
Insight into the gas‐phase glycerol dehydration on transition metal modified aluminium phosphates and zeolites
Authors: Lopez‐Pedrajas Susana , Estevez Rafael , Blanco‐Bonilla Fatima , Luna Diego , Bautista Felipa M
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The production of biodiesel has notably increased in recent years, with glycerol as the main by‐product, an important raw material in the production of value‐added products. Those obtained by dehydration are especially important.

RESULTS

Gas phase dehydration of glycerol has been tested on mesoporous AlPO4 and modified AlPO4, with a small amount (1 wt%) of a transition metal (Co, Cu, Cr, Fe), calcined at 450°C and 650°C, and compared with some commercial zeolites (HZSM and HY). All the catalysts were active in the reaction, the phosphates showing better catalytic behaviour than the zeolites. The main products of the reaction were acrolein and hydroxyacetone.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive effect of metal on the catalytic behaviour of AlPO4 in the dehydration has been verified, attaining the maximum yield to acrolein (54%) on AlCoPO650 with 50 mg of catalyst and 280°C of reaction temperature. Furthermore, the phosphates did not suffer deactivation after 22 h reaction, whereas the zeolites suffered a strong loss of activity (around 70%) due to blockage of the micropores by coke. Moreover, the yield to acrolein decreased with time, while the yield to hydroxyacetone increased. An E2 mechanism for the acrolein formation and E1 for the hydroxyacetone formation have been proposed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Activated sludge floc morphology and nitrifier enrichment can explain the conflicting reports on the oxygen half‐saturation index for ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB)
Authors: Wu Jun , Li Yong , Zhang Miao
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) have been suggested to have a lower oxygen half‐saturation index than that of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB), i.e. KO,AOB < KO,NOB. However, recent research has shown the opposite. We propose that biomass floc morphology and nitrifier enrichment are the causes of the conflicting reports, thus sludge samples with low NOB enrichment were ultrasonicated to produce samples with different floc diameters and tested for their KO,AOB and KO,NOB.

RESULTS

Experimental results showed that the apparent KO,NOB values stabilized at c. 0.20 mg O2 L−1 after the activated sludge sample was ultrasonicated and the medium floc diameter was reduced from c. 420 to 50 µm. In comparison, the apparent KO,AOB dropped significantly from c. 1.5 to 0.24 mg O2 L−1. Simulation results were in agreement with the experimental observations.

CONCLUSIONS

High floc diameter and low NOB enrichment were identified to be the reason for the reversion in the comparison of measured KO,AOB and KO,NOB. The study explains the conflicting reporting on the relative comparison of measured KO,AOB and KO,NOB. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation prior to delivery in a Chinese han population
Authors: Shen Yao , Zhao WeiXiu , Lin JianHua , Liu FangSun
Published: March 2017

Objective

To compare the sonographic‐estimated fetal weights (EFW) calculated with the Hadlock formula and with the Woo formula in a group of Chinese pregnant women.

Methods

We prospectively recruited term pregnancies for sonographic biometric examination. EFWs were calculated according to two formulas and compared with the corresponding birth weight (BW). We also assessed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of EFW for the diagnosis of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) neonates.

Results

A total of 374 subjects who delivered within 7 days after the sonographic examinations was recruited. Using the Hadlock formula, the median absolute difference between EFW and BW was 182 g (15–308 g) and the median percentage difference was 5.3% (0.5–9.1%), whereas it was 230 g (62–367) and 7.1% (2.1–10.4%) for the Woo formula (p < 0.001). Several factors, namely the fetal presentation, gender, and high amniotic quantity, showed no evident impact on this predictive difference. Among the 175 women who delivered within 2 days after ultrasound, the sensitivity and specificity of Hadlock EFW were 100% and 97.1% for the detection of SGA and 48.1% and 97.3% for the detection of LGA, respectively. The PPV and NPV were 44.4% and 100.0% for the detection of SGA and 76.5% and 91.1% for the detection of LGA, respectively.

Conclusions

EFWs calculated using the Hadlock formula for our research subjects were as accurate as those reported for other populations. The predictive performance showed a high NPV for the diagnosis of SGA and a relatively acceptable PPV for the diagnosis of LGA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:465–471, 2017
The cochlea of the enigmatic pygmy right whale Caperea marginata informs mysticete phylogeny
Authors: Park Travis , Marx Felix G. , Fitzgerald Erich M. G. , Evans Alistair R.
Published: March 2017

The pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata, is the least understood extant baleen whale (Cetacea, Mysticeti). Knowledge on its basic anatomy, ecology, and fossil record is limited, even though its singular position outside both balaenids (right whales) and balaenopteroids (rorquals + grey whales) gives Caperea a pivotal role in mysticete evolution. Recent investigations of the cetacean cochlea have provided new insights into sensory capabilities and phylogeny. Here, we extend this advance to Caperea by describing, for the first time, the inner ear of this enigmatic species. The cochlea is large and appears to be sensitive to low‐frequency sounds, but its hearing limit is relatively high. The presence of a well‐developed tympanal recess links Caperea with cetotheriids and balaenopteroids, rather than balaenids, contrary to the traditional morphological view of a close Caperea‐balaenid relationship. Nevertheless, a broader sample of the cetotheriid Herpetocetus demonstrates that the presence of a tympanal recess can be variable at the specific and possibly even the intraspecific level.
Functional organic material for roxarsone and its derivatives recognition via molecular imprinting
Authors: Fan Weigang , Zhang Xuemin , Zhang Yagang , Wang Penglei , Zhang Letao , Yin Zhaoming , Yao Jun , Xiang Wei
Published: March 2017

Roxarsone, one of feed add drugs containing arsenic, has been most widely used in poultry and swine industry. Roxarsone discharged into the environment has caused serious pollution problem. Herein, a reusable functional material for selective recognition and adsorption of roxarsone and its derivatives were designed and synthesized. The interaction mechanism is based on acid‐base interaction and surface molecular imprinting. Dual functionalized core‐shell structure with silica gel as the core was prepared to use as carrier for surface molecularly imprinted polymers. Surface molecularly imprinted polymers for roxarsone was successfully designed and synthesized using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and methyl acryloyloxypropyltriethoxy silane as functional monomers, Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker, Azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator, acetonitrile as solvent. Binding study showed that the recognition selectivity for roxarsone and its derivatives can be significantly improved (3.5‐4 folds) with molecular imprinting. Moreover, the prepared functional material for selective recognition and adsorption of Roxarsone was reusable for multiple times without significant decreasing their adsorption capacities.
WRF simulation and downscaling of local climate in Central Asia
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Hu Qi , Zhang Chi
Published: March 2017

Progresses in understanding climate variation and its ecosystem responses and feedback in Central Asia have been limited by availability of high resolution and quality climate data. To ease this limitation, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is implemented in Central Asia in this study after repeated yearly sensitivity evaluations. The optimized WRF is used to downscale the ERA‐Interim reanalysis data, producing a new regional dataset of 20 × 20 km spatial resolution covering 1980–2015. The downscaled precipitation and daily maximum and minimum temperatures of seven years from 1980–1986, when the observational data are the most abundant, are compared in statistical measures to station observations and also contrasted with the comparison results between the ERA‐Interim data and the observations. Results of those comparisons show that the downscaled data have overall comparable accuracy in precipitation and daily extreme temperatures to the ERA‐Interim data. An outstanding improvement of the downscaled data is in their describing the variance in precipitation and temperatures at daily to annual timescales, while the downscaled extreme precipitation and temperature events also show more accurate comparisons to the observed at some sub‐regions in Central Asia. The validated WRF model, which can be used to further downscale past as well as future climate data for specific research needs, and the downscaled high resolution and quality data present both a tool and a useful dataset for ecological and detailed climate research in Central Asia.
The relationship between wintertime extreme temperature events north of 60°N and large‐scale atmospheric circulations
Authors: Yu Lejiang , Sui Cuijuan , Lenschow Donald H. , Zhou Mingyu
Published: March 2017

The increased extreme warm and decreased extreme cold temperature events across the Arctic strongly influence the natural environment as well as the societal activities. This study investigates temporal and spatial variability of wintertime extreme high and low temperature events defined by the 95 and 5% percentiles across the Arctic and subarctic regions, respectively (north of 60°N) using data from 238 stations in the Global Summary of the Day for the period 1979–2016. Empirical orthogonal function analyses indicate that the first modes (which account for 30–35% of the total variance) are out‐of‐phase between northern Europe, western and central Russia, and northeastern North America, and that this appears to be related to the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the Northern Atlantic Oscillation. The second modes explain about 8% of the total variance. During the positive phase of the first and second modes the anomalous northeasterly and northerly winds decrease Arctic extreme high and increase extreme low temperature occurrences; while the anomalous southerly and southwesterly winds have the opposite effect. Symmetric and asymmetric effects of the AO index on extreme temperature events refer to the difference and sum between the composite of its positive and negative phases. The symmetric components of the spatial patterns are similar to those of the first modes. The asymmetric components occur mainly over western and central Russia for extreme high and low temperatures, respectively. In addition the impacts of six other large‐scale climate modes are also explored.
Trace metals transfer during vine cultivation and winemaking processes
Authors: Vystavna Yuliya , Zaichenko Liubov , Klimenko Nina , Rätsep Reelika
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The study was focused on Zn, Cu and Pb transfer in the system of soil–grape–must–juice–wine in a Chardonnay grape variety from Ukrainian vine growing regions. The analyses of soil, grape, must, pomace, juice and wine were done at the study plot in the south‐west of Crimea.

RESULTS

Commercial white wines of Chardonnay from different vine growing regions in Ukraine were analysed for trace metals content. Results revealed that trace elements transfer was related to diverse Zn, Cu and Pb sources, trace metals bioavailability, their speciation and complexes during the wine making processes. The analysed commercial wines had lower Cu, Zn and Pb concentrations than wine from the Inkerman study plot.

CONCLUSION

Trace metals concentrations were comparable to those in European wines and lower than limits recommended by International Organization of Vine and Wine. The tentative relationship between wine and soil was found for Zn at the study plot. The method can be used to describe the relationship between the soil and wine in other study areas. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Hypoglycemic effect of hawthorn in type II diabetes mellitus rat model
Authors: Aierken Aili , Buchholz Tina , Chen Chen , Zhang Xiaoying , Melzig Matthias F
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Hawthorn is a popular herb in many different traditional medicine systems, including traditional Chinese medicine, where it has long been used for the treatment of hyperglycemia. However, most of its varied biological activities remain unexplored. This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect of hawthorn extracts in type II diabetic (T2DM) rat model. A total of 54 rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal control group; type II diabetic model group (T2DM; these rats were induced by high‐fat diet and streptozotocin); high, middle and low concentrations of hawthorn treatment (HTH, HTM and HTL T2DM rats were given hawthorn extract at a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1 body weight, respectively); and positive control group (orlistat 40 mg kg−1 body weight).

RESULTS

Triglyceride and total cholesterol serum levels were lower in the hawthorn extract‐treated groups than in the T2DM control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, hawthorn extracts decreased blood glucose level and increased plasma insulin release from pancreas.

CONCLUSION

Positive effects of hawthorn against streptozotocin‐induced T2DM were demonstrated. This study suggests that hawthorn extract represents a useful agent for the prevention or treatment of T2DM. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
UCH‐L1‐containing exosomes mediate chemotherapeutic resistance transfer in breast cancer
Authors: Ning Kuan , Wang Teng , Sun Xu , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Yun , Jin Jian , Hua Dong
Published: March 2017

Background

Chemotherapy resistance has become a serious challenge in the treatment of breast cancer. Previous studies showed cells can transfer proteins, including those responsible for drug resistance to adjacent cells via exosomes.

Methods

The switches of drug resistance via exosomes transfer were assessed by CellTiter‐Blue Viability assay, flow cytometry, and immunostaining analysis. Relative protein levels of Ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase‐L1 (UCH‐L1), P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), extracellular‐signal regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and phospho‐extracellular‐signal regulated protein kinase1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) were measured by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 93 breast cancer samples to assess the associations of UCH‐L1 levels with immunofluorescence value of UCH‐L1 in circulating exosomes.

Result

The Adriamycin‐resistant human breast cancer cells (MCF7/ADM) secreted exosomes carrying UCH‐L1 and P‐gp proteins into the extracellular microenvironment then integrated into Adriamycin‐sensitive human breast cancer cells (MCF7/WT) in a time‐dependent manner, transferring the chemoresistance phenotype. Notably, in blood samples from patients with breast cancer, the level of exosomes carrying UCH‐L1 before chemotherapy was significantly negatively correlated with prognosis.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that UCH‐L1‐containing exosomes can transfer chemoresistance to recipient cells and these exosomes may be useful as non‐invasive diagnostic biomarkers for detection of chemoresitance in breast cancer patients, achieving more effective and individualized chemotherapy.
Abiotic conditions drive significant variability in nutrient processing by a common Caribbean sponge, Ircinia felix
Authors: Archer Stephanie K. , Stevens Julia L. , Rossi Ryann E. , Matterson Kenan O. , Layman Craig A.
Published: March 2017

Coral reefs typically occur in oligotrophic waters, where tight recycling of energy and nutrients is essential in order to support their high productivity. Sponges are efficient filter feeders that host diverse and abundant microbial communities that often contain members capable of carrying out complex nutrient transformations. Consequently, sponges often act as significant sources of bioavailable forms of nitrogen and phosphorus while acting as sinks for dissolved organic carbon (DOC). However, little attention has focused on variability of nutrient release by sponges and no studies have reported how abiotic conditions may impact sponge‐driven changes in nutrient concentrations. Here, we show that a common Caribbean sponge, Ircinia felix, is capable of being both a source and a sink for DOC, ammonium, nitrate/nitrite (
), and phosphate (
). Additionally, we show that abiotic conditions, particularly ambient nutrient availability, seem to explain a significant amount of the variability (R2 range from 0.40 to 0.65). Interestingly, as ambient nutrient concentrations increased, I. felix transitioned from acting as a source to serving as a sink for all nutrient forms measured. We also found I. felix‐associated bacteria exhibit a significantly higher abundance of predicted nitrogen metabolism, carbon fixation, and photosynthetic genes relative to ambient water and sediment. These results suggest that sponges play an important and dynamic role in biogeochemical cycling on reefs, particularly as human activities alter natural nutrient dynamics in coastal systems.
Finding patches in a heterogeneous aquatic environment: pH‐taxis by the dispersal stage of choanoflagellates
Authors: Miño Gastón L. , Koehl M. A. R. , King Nicole , Stocker Roman
Published: March 2017

Microbial eukaryotes that feed on bacteria are critical links in aquatic food webs. We used the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta, whose life history includes fast‐ and slow‐swimming unicellular forms and multicellular colonies, to study performance of these different forms at finding and accumulating in patches of prey. Video microscopy of behavior in microfluidic experiments showed that only unicellular fast swimmers exhibited taxis into patches of attractant. Of the chemical cues tested, only pH affected behavior: fast swimmers moved toward patches of water that had pH in the range of 6–7 from water with higher or lower pH. Since bacteria can lower the pH of the water in their vicinity, we suggest that seeking regions with a moderately more acidic pH than average seawater helps the fast‐swimming dispersal stage of choanoflagellates find particles or surfaces rich in prey.
Ligation and cut as a method for bile duct division in living donor right hepatectomy
Authors: Kim Seong Hoon , Lee Eung Chang , Lee Seung Duk , Park Sang Jae
Published: March 2017

The importance of bile duct division cannot be overemphasized in living donor surgery. Ligation and cut (LC) as a method for bile duct division in living donor right hepatectomy (LDRH) has never been reported. The purpose of this study was to introduce the LC method of bile duct division in LDRH. All LDRH donors were identified through a prospectively maintained database at the authors’ institution between September 2009 and March 2013, and the 2 methods, LC and cut and oversewing (CO), were compared both in terms of donor and recipient outcomes of right lobe living donor liver transplantation. In the LC method, after complete parenchymal transection, the right hepatic duct was dissected in the Glisson's sheath and ligated just at the right side of the confluence, and then the right side of the ligature was cut. The LC and CO methods were performed in 109 and 134 donors, respectively. Bile duct division time (P < 0.001) and operative time (P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the LC group than in the CO group. With a median follow‐up of 60.2 months, biliary complication rate was lower in the LC group than in the CO group (0% versus 5.2%; P = 0.01), but with no significant difference between the recipient groups. All donors made a complete recovery. In conclusion, the bile ducts of living donors can be dissected safely from the Glisson's sheath, and the LC method facilitates bile duct division and has a lower incidence of biliary complication in LDRH without compromising the recipient outcomes. Liver Transplantation 23 448–456 2017 AASLD.
Designing Smart Materials with Recombinant Proteins
Authors: Hollingshead Sydney , Lin Charng‐Yu , Liu Julie C.
Published: March 2017

Recombinant protein design allows modular protein domains with different functionalities and responsive behaviors to be easily combined. Inclusion of these protein domains can enable recombinant proteins to have complex responses to their environment (e.g., temperature‐triggered aggregation followed by enzyme‐mediated cleavage for drug delivery or pH‐triggered conformational change and self‐assembly leading to structural stabilization by adjacent complementary residues). These “smart” behaviors can be tuned by amino acid identity and sequence, chemical modifications, and addition of other components. A wide variety of domains and peptides have smart behavior. This review focuses on protein designs for self‐assembly or conformational changes due to stimuli such as shifts in temperature or pH.

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Photoalignment of Vertically Oriented Microphase Separated Lamellae in LC–LC Diblock Copolymer Thin Film
Authors: Beppu Koichiro , Nagashima Yuki , Hara Mituo , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro
Published: March 2017

The microphase separation and photoalignment behavior of a diblock copolymer consisting of two kinds of side chain liquid crystalline (LC) polymers are investigated. Here, the mesogens of photoresponsive azobenzene and non‐photoresponsive cyanobiphenyl are introduced in the side chains. The azobenzene and cyanobiphenyl mesogens orient homeotropically and planarly, respectively, in a thin film state. The combination of these contrasting orienting properties leads to a formation of vertically oriented lamella in the microphase separation structure. Irradiation with linearly polarized light onto this polymer film induces a highly oriented microphase separation structure having regularly elongated stripe morphology with 30 nm periodicity. The nearly defect‐free morphology of this LC–LC diblock copolymer after the photoalignment is a distinct feature when compared with those of coil (amorphous)–LC diblock copolymer films possessing the same azobenzene side chain.

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Saccades in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy–Maladapted, Irregular, Curved, and Slow
Authors: Shaikh Aasef G. , Factor Stewart A. , Juncos Jorge L.
Published: March 2017

Background

Slowed and curved rapid eye movements, saccades, are the well‐known features of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The authors hypothesized that the saccades in PSP not only are slow and curved but also are irregular and have timing deficits.

Methods

This hypothesis was tested in 12 patients with PSP by measuring vertical and horizontal visually guided saccades using a limbus tracker.

Results

Both horizontal and vertical saccades were slow and had irregular trajectory and velocity profiles, but deficits were much more robust in vertical saccades. The irregularity in the saccade velocity was due to premature interruptions that either completely stopped the eyes or moved the eyes at much slower velocity along or in the opposite direction of the ongoing saccade. The direction of the eye's trajectory was often changed after the interruption. A conductance‐based, single‐compartment model of the burst neurons embedded in local feedback circuit for saccade generation was simulated. This model mimicked anatomic and physiologic realism while allowing the liberty to selectively change the activation of individual burst neurons or pause neurons. The PSP saccades were comparable to the simulations during reduced activity of the inhibitory and excitatory burst neurons.

Conclusion

PSP saccades are due to the paucity in burst generation at the excitatory burst neurons and imprecise timing signal from the inhibitory burst neurons. Premature discharge of the inhibitory burst neuron further leads to breaks in the saccade trajectory and maladaptive superior colliculus activity, leading to aberrant saccades that change the intended trajectory of the ongoing saccade.