bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural polyphenol tannic acid reinforced poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) composite films with enhanced tensile strength and fracture toughness
Authors: Xiang Hengxue , Li Lili , Wang Shichao , Wang Renlin , Cheng Yanhua , Zhou Zhe , Zhu Meifang
Published: July 2014

Novel fully biodegradable composites were successfully prepared by solution casting. The mechanical properties, chemical structure and intermolecular interaction, the melting and crystallization behaviors, and crystalline morphologies of the Tannic acid (TA)/PHBV composites were investigated. Uniaxial tensile mechanical testing results show that both tensile strength and fracture toughness were enhanced. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results confirm the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions in composites. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) studies show that there is a significant increase in Tg and Tcc, and a decrease in melting temperature of TA/PHBV composites. The crystal growth behaviors and crystalline morphologies results were showed that with the addition of TA component, the size of PHBV spherulites reduces, and the number of PHBV spherulites increases significantly. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2303–2308, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of low‐density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch composites reinforced by cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Alidadi‐Shamsabadi Marzieh , Behzad Tayebeh , Bagheri Ruhollah , Nari‐Nasrabadi Bijan
Published: July 2014

In the current study, the effect of extracted cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) on rheological and mechanical properties and biodegradability of polyethylene/starch blend was investigated. The CNFs were extracted from wheat straws using a chemo‐mechanical method. Polyethylene/starch blend was reinforced by different amounts of CNF (6–14 wt%) using an internal mixer followed by a single screw extruder. The flow properties of nanocomposites were investigated by determining Melt Flow Index (MFI) and viscosity. Due to the weak interaction of cellulosic nanofibers and polymers, the flow behavior of nanocomposites was undesirable. Tensile tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical performance of nanocomposites. By increasing the CNF content, the tensile strength and elongation at break declined; whereas, the Young's modulus was improved. The biodegradation of cellulose nanocomposites was investigated by water absorption and degradability tests. Both experiments confirmed the progressive effect of cellulose nanofibers on the degradation of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2309–2316, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reference ranges of fetal spleen biometric parameters and volume assessed by three‐dimensional ultrasound and their applicability in spleen malformations
Authors: You Jian‐Hong , Lv Guo‐Rong , Liu Xian‐Lan , He Shao‐Zheng
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aims of this article are to establish three‐dimensional ultrasonographic nomograms of normal fetal spleen size and to evaluate the clinical application value.

Methods

An observational, cross‐sectional study was performed on 455 women with a normal singleton pregnancy between 18 and 38 weeks' gestational age (GA). Fetal spleen volume was measured using three‐dimensional ultrasound equipped with virtual organ computer‐aided analysis, and biometric parameters were assessed in multiplanar mode to create reference ranges to GA. Thirty cases were randomly selected to conduct reliability analyses via intraobserver and interobserver ultrasonographic measurement. Moreover, 50 cases of suspected splenic malformations were evaluated by the newly established nomograms and followed up subsequently.

Results

Using regression formulas, we found that fetal spleen size increased with GA. We observed strong reliability in intraobserver and interobserver volume measurements with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.994 and 0.962. Bland–Altman analyses showed narrow limits of agreement [intraobserver: (−3.2 to 3.5)%; interobserver: (−3.2 to 4.3)%]. Of the 50 cases with suspected splenic malformations, six cases of splenomegaly and one case of splenic cyst were diagnosed.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional ultrasound nomograms of normal fetal spleen size across a range of GA have a strong diagnostic value. Volume measurements with good reliability were optimal in clinical practice. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benefit–risk assessment in a post‐market setting: a case study integrating real‐life experience into benefit–risk methodology
Authors: Hallgreen Christine E. , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Mt‐Isa Shahrul , Ashworth Simon , Hermann Richard , Hobbiger Steve , Luciani Davide , Micaleff Alain , Thomson Andrew , Wang Nan , van Staa Tjeerd P. , Downey Gerald , Hirsch Ian , Hockley Kimberley , Juhaeri Juhaeri , Metcalf Marilyn , Mwangi Jeremiah , Nixon Richard , Peters Ruth , Stoeckert Isabelle , Waddingham Ed , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Ashby Deborah , Wise Lesley
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Difficulties may be encountered when undertaking a benefit–risk assessment for an older product with well‐established use but with a benefit–risk balance that may have changed over time. This case study investigates this specific situation by applying a formal benefit–risk framework to assess the benefit–risk balance of warfarin for primary prevention of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

We used the qualitative framework BRAT as the starting point of the benefit–risk analysis, bringing together the relevant available evidence. We explored the use of a quantitative method (stochastic multi‐criteria acceptability analysis) to demonstrate how uncertainties and preferences on multiple criteria can be integrated into a single measure to reduce cognitive burden and increase transparency in decision making.

Results

Our benefit–risk model found that warfarin is favourable compared with placebo for the primary prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This favourable benefit–risk balance is fairly robust to differences in preferences. The probability of a favourable benefit–risk for warfarin against placebo is high (0.99) in our model despite the high uncertainty of randomised clinical trial data.

In this case study, we identified major challenges related to the identification of relevant benefit–risk criteria and taking into account the diversity and quality of evidence available to inform the benefit–risk assessment.

Conclusion

The main challenges in applying formal methods for medical benefit–risk assessment for a marketed drug are related to outcome definitions and data availability. Data exist from many different sources (both randomised clinical trials and observational studies), and the variability in the studies is large. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of psoriatic arthritis and capture of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs in the health improvement network
Authors: Ogdie Alexis , Alehashemi Sara , Love Thorvardur Jon , Jiang Yihui , Haynes Kevin , Hennessy Sean , Choi Hyon , Gelfand Joel M.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

The aims of this study are to examine the validity of diagnostic codes for psoriatic arthritis in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) and to examine the agreement between General Practitioner (GP) report and prescription records for disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to the GPs of 100 randomly selected patients with at least one medical record code for psoriatic arthritis. The positive predictive value (PPV) for a GP confirmed diagnosis was calculated, and alternative algorithms were examined to determine which method resulted in the highest PPV.

Results

The PPV for a single code for psoriatic arthritis was 85% (95%CI: 75.8–91.7%). Adding a prescription for a DMARD increased the PPV to 91% but with a substantial loss in sensitivity. Agreement between GPs and prescription data for use of an oral DMARD was 69%.

Conclusions

The diagnosis codes for psoriatic arthritis used in THIN are valid. All prescriptions for DMARDs may not be accounted for in THIN. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixing effect on emulsion polymerization in a batch reactor
Authors: Fathi Roudsari Shideh , Dhib Ramdhane , Ein‐Mozaffari Farhad
Published: July 2014

The emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was carried out in a lab‐scale reactor, which was equipped with a pitched blade turbine, four baffles, a U shaped cooling coil, and a temperature controller. Potassium persulfate was used as the initiator and sodium dodecyl sulfate as the surfactant. The effects of impeller speed, mounting baffles, and reaction temperature on the monomer conversion, polymer nano particle size and number, and molecular weight were examined in detail. An increase in the impeller speed up to 250 rpm enhanced the polymer properties but further agitation reduced the conversion, particle size, and molecular weight. The installation of the baffles enhanced the particle size and molecular weight but reduced the conversion and particle number. The use of baffles resulted in a narrower size distribution throughout the polymerization process. While the particle size and molecular weight were reduced with an increase in the reaction temperature, the monomer conversion and particle number were improved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:945–956, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multiobjective optimization of long‐chain branched propylene polymerization
Authors: Mogilicharla Anitha , Majumdar Saptarshi , Mitra Kishalay
Published: July 2014

A model has been developed based on the available experimental data for propylene polymerization with long‐chain branching. The system considered is a bicatalyst system, where the first catalyst produces the atactic polypropylene macromonomer and second one grafts the atactic polypropylene macromonomers to isotactic polypropylene backbone. Pareto optimal solutions for long‐chain branched polypropylene with the binary catalyst system are obtained by adapting nondominated sorting genetic algorithm for a particular multiobjective setup. Optimization objective is to produce polymer of maximum weight average molecular weight and maximum grafting density (expressed as number of macromonomers per 1000 backbone monomer units) in minimum polymerization time. Two catalysts and one cocatalyst concentration, second catalyst addition time are taken as decision variables with relevant process constraints that take care of model validity over prescribed operating range. A wide variety of process choices have been obtained for the optimization setup which shows betterment in process performance (e.g., ∼17% improvement in grafting density and 1% improvement in weight average molecular weight with the same polymerization time attained as compared to the processes reported in the literature Ye and Zhu, 2013). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1067–1076, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polyethylene/sepiolite fibers. Influence of drawing and nanofiller content on the crystal morphology and mechanical properties
Authors: Alonso Yanela , Martini Raquel E. , Iannoni Antonio , Terenzi Andrea , Kenny José M. , Barbosa Silvia E.
Published: July 2014

The influence of sepiolite content (1, 2, and 3 wt%) and successive drawing steps on the final properties of polyethylene/sepiolite nanocomposite fibers are reported. Particularly the effects of these variables on crystallinity, fiber macroscopic morphology, and tensile mechanical properties are analyzed applying different experimental techniques: differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle x‐ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, and tensile mechanical characterization. The study evidenced the important role of both sepiolite content and stretching on the crystalline morphology and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites fiber. Both variables favor the appearance of the monoclinic phase during polyethylene crystallization, and produce an increase of crystallinity degree (35 % with drawing steps and 10 % by the sepiolite incorporation in non drawing fiber). This change of crystal morphology influences mechanical properties enhancing with both sepiolite content and drawing steps. Thus, Young Modulus increases 17 times with drawing in pure PE fibers and 1.5 times because sepiolite presence. The strength shows similar behavior, but the elongation at break decreases 14 timed with draw steps and to a half by the sepiolite influence. The final properties of drawing nanocomposite fibers are so acceptable for textile applications and they content particles that enhance their moisture and odors absorptive capacities. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1096–1103, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Criterion Validity is Maintained When Items Are Evaluatively Neutralized: Evidence from A Full–Scale Five–Factor Model Inventory
Authors: Bäckström Martin , Björklund Fredrik , Larsson Magnus R.
Published: July 2014

The original version and an evaluatively neutralized version (with items rephrased to reduce popularity) of a personality inventory were compared. The results revealed (i) similar criterion validity across three different sets of self–rated behaviours, (ii) stronger relations to the rated social desirability of criteria for the original version and (iii) less correlation between factors for the neutralized version. We take the results to indicate that evaluative neutralization is a viable technique for reducing social desirability in self–ratings. Implications for test construction are discussed. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
On the Role of Specific Emotions in Autonomous and Controlled Motivated Behaviour
Authors: Vandercammen Leen , Hofmans Joeri , Theuns Peter , Kuppens Peter
Published: July 2014

In the present study, we study the effect of four specific emotions (i.e. happiness, relaxation, depression, and anxiety) on autonomous and controlled motivated behaviour. Drawing on the componential approach to emotions, we argue that because different emotions have a different action readiness—the readiness to engage with the environment—they also have a different impact on autonomous and controlled motivated behaviour. To test this hypothesis, we performed two studies. In the first one, 50 participants took part in an experience sampling study in which they reported their emotions (happiness, relaxation, depression, and anxiety) and autonomous and controlled motivated behaviour 10 times a day for 7 consecutive days. In the second study, 217 students participated in a lab experiment in which we studied the effect of induced anxiety, depression, happiness, and relaxation on autonomous motivated behaviour. The results showed how specific emotions predict autonomous motivated behaviour and that the relationship between the different emotions and autonomous motivated behaviour depends on the emotion under study. By doing so, we demonstrated the important role of emotions in the elicitation of autonomous motivated behaviour. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
Learning and memory performance in a cohort of clinically referred breast cancer survivors: the role of attention versus forgetting in patient‐reported memory complaints
Authors: Root James C. , Ryan Elizabeth , Barnett Gregory , Andreotti Charissa , Bolutayo Kemi , Ahles Tim
Published: July 2014

Objective

While forgetfulness is widely reported by breast cancer survivors, studies documenting objective memory performance yield mixed, largely inconsistent, results. Failure to find consistent, objective memory issues may be due to the possibility that cancer survivors misattribute their experience of forgetfulness to primary memory issues rather than to difficulties in attention at the time of learning.

Methods

To clarify potential attention issues, factor scores for Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory, and Inaccurate Memory were analyzed for the California Verbal Learning Test‐Second Edition (CVLT‐II) in 64 clinically referred breast cancer survivors with self‐reported cognitive complaints; item analysis was conducted to clarify specific contributors to observed effects, and contrasts between learning and recall trials were compared with normative data. Performance on broader cognitive domains is also reported.

Results

The Attention Span factor, but not Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory, or Inaccurate Memory factors, was significantly affected in this clinical sample. Contrasts between trials were consistent with normative data and did not indicate greater loss of information over time than in the normative sample.

Conclusions

Results of this analysis suggest that attentional dysfunction may contribute to subjective and objective memory complaints in breast cancer survivors. These results are discussed in the context of broader cognitive effects following treatment for clinicians who may see cancer survivors for assessment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Threatened with death but growing: changes in and determinants of posttraumatic growth over the dying process for Taiwanese terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Tang Siew Tzuh , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Chou Wen‐Chi
Published: July 2014

Objective

Posttraumatic growth at end of life, a positive psychological consequence of dealing with a life crisis, may be catalyzed by the trauma of facing mortality. Studies on cancer patients' posttraumatic growth have overwhelmingly examined early‐stage survivors. Of the few studies on advanced cancer patients, none anchored posttraumatic growth with the patient's death. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to describe longitudinal changes in and to identify determinants of posttraumatic growth over the dying process.

Methods

A convenience sample of 313 cancer patients was recruited and followed until death. Posttraumatic growth was measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Determinants were evaluated from sociodemographics, cancer characteristics, social context variables, and coping strategies using a multiple linear regression model.

Results

The dying process may be too threatening and stressful for cancer patients to experience profound posttraumatic growth as manifested by low Posttraumatic Growth Inventory scores (26.13 ± 21.59 to 40.33 ± 27.71 on a 0–105 scale) without significant changes as death approached. However, terminally ill cancer patients who were not defeated by the initial threat of death experienced posttraumatic growth. Patients were at risk for low‐level posttraumatic growth if they were male, were non‐middle aged, had low educational attainment, had a non‐metastatic disease, recently recognized terminally ill status, had severe symptom distress, had high functional dependence and weak social support, and were unaware or had low acceptance of their prognosis.

Conclusion

Interventions are needed to appropriately relieve symptom distress, facilitate functional independence, enhance social support, and improve prognostic awareness and acceptance to inspire positive changes for cancer patients at end of life. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical challenges of high‐dimensional methylation data
Authors: Saadati Maral , Benner Axel
Published: July 2014

With the fast growing field of epigenetics comes the need to better understand the intricacies of DNA methylation data analysis. High‐throughput profiling using techniques, such as Illumina's BeadArray assay, enable the quantitative assessment of methylation. Challenges arise from the fact that resulting methylation levels (so‐called beta values) are proportions between 0 and 1, often from an asymmetric, bimodal distribution with peaks close to 0 and 1. Therefore, the majority of standard statistical approaches do not apply. The logit transformation into so‐called M‐values is a common approach to circumvent this problem and aims to allow the use of common statistical methods. However, it can be observed that the transformation from beta to M‐values does not necessarily result in an approximately homoscedastic distribution. Often, bimodality, asymmetry and heteroscedasticity are conserved even after transformation.

We give an overview and discussion of methods suggested in the recent years that attempt to address the characteristics of methylation data in univariate screening settings. In order to identify ‘differential’ methylation with respect to covariates of interest while adjusting for confounders, we compare parametric methods, such as linear and beta regression, and nonparametric methods, such as rank‐based regression. Our goal is to sensitise researchers to the challenges and issues that arise from this type of data as well as to present possible solutions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple imputation methods for nonparametric inference on cumulative incidence with missing cause of failure
Authors: Lee Minjung , Dignam James J. , Han Junhee
Published: July 2014

We propose a nonparametric approach for cumulative incidence estimation when causes of failure are unknown or missing for some subjects. Under the missing at random assumption, we estimate the cumulative incidence function using multiple imputation methods. We develop asymptotic theory for the cumulative incidence estimators obtained from multiple imputation methods. We also discuss how to construct confidence intervals for the cumulative incidence function and perform a test for comparing the cumulative incidence functions in two samples with missing cause of failure. Through simulation studies, we show that the proposed methods perform well. The methods are illustrated with data from a randomized clinical trial in early stage breast cancer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sublethal effects induced by morphine to the freshwater biological model Dreissena polymorpha
Authors: Magni Stefano , Parolini Marco , Binelli Andrea
Published: July 2014

Opioids are considered as emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, mainly due to their large illicit consume worldwide. Morphine (MOR) is the main opiate and it was commonly found at measurable concentrations in freshwaters. Even though its occurrence is well documented, just limited information is available regarding its hazard to nontarget organisms. The aim of this study was of the evaluation of sublethal effects induced by MOR to the freshwater bivalve Dreissena polymorpha. We exposed mussels to two MOR concentrations (0.05 µg/L and 0.5 µg/L) for 14 days and we investigated the sublethal effects by a suite of biomarkers. The Neutral Red Retention Assay (NRRA) was used as a test of cytotoxicity, while the oxidative stress was evaluated by the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, namely catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and by measuring the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PCC). The genetic damage was assessed by the Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, the DNA diffusion assay and the micronucleus test (MN test). Finally, the filtration rate of D. polymorpha was evaluated in order to investigate possible physiological effects. Both tested concentrations reduced the lysosome membrane stability of bivalves, but only the highest MOR concentration induced significant changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and increase in lipid peroxidation levels. Slight increase in primary DNA fragmentation was noticed, while no fixed genetic damage and alterations of the filtering rate were found. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 58–67, 2016.
Indium acetate toxicity in male reproductive system in rats
Authors: Lee Kuo‐Hsin , Chen Hsiu‐Ling , Leung Chung‐Man , Chen Hsin‐Pao , Hsu Ping‐Chi
Published: July 2014

Indium, a rare earth metal characterized by high plasticity, corrosion resistance, and a low melting point, is widely used in the electronics industry, but has been reported to be an environmental pollutant and a health hazard. We designed a study to investigate the effects of subacute exposure of indium compounds on male reproductive function. Twelve‐week old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into test and control groups, and received weekly intraperitoneal injections of indium acetate (1.5 mg/kg body weight) and normal saline, respectively, for 8 weeks. Serum indium levels, cauda epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, chromatin DNA structure, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, and testis DNA content were investigated. The indium acetate‐treated group showed significant reproductive toxicity, as well as an increased percentage of sperm morphology abnormality, chromatin integrity damage, and superoxide anion generation. Furthermore, positive correlations among sperm morphology abnormalities, chromatin DNA damage, and superoxide anion generation were also noted. The results of this study demonstrated the toxic effect of subacute low‐dose indium exposure during the period of sexual maturation on male reproductive function in adulthood, through an increase in oxidative stress and sperm chromatin DNA damage during spermiogenesis, in a rodent model. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 68–76, 2016.
Use of cementum annuli and eye‐lens weight for aging coyotes
Authors: Scrivner Jerry H. , Johnson Craig A. , Sego Camron A.
Published: July 2014

Age estimates are often needed to make good management decisions. We assessed the accuracy and precision of the cementum annuli analysis (CAA) technique for aging coyotes (Canis latrans). We also assessed the relationship between eye‐lens weight and age. We sent 56 lower canines from 28 captive‐born and captive‐reared coyotes of known age to a laboratory to estimate age using CAA. The lab correctly determined age for 52 of 56 (93%) teeth and there was a strong correlation between mean estimated age using both canines from a coyote and known age. A strong correlation also existed between estimated age based on right and left teeth. Age predictions based on the left tooth agreed with the right tooth 25 of 28 (89%) occasions. Cementum annuli analysis was both accurate and precise for all age classes and we recommend its use whenever age‐specific data are needed. Eye‐lens weights discriminate effectively between subadults and adults, but predicted age of adults displays more variability than when estimated using CAA. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Using thermal imaging cameras with radiotelemetry to locate roost sites of male wild turkeys
Authors: Ruttinger James A. , Colbert Derek S. , Warren Robert J. , Conner L. Mike , Chamberlain Michael J.
Published: July 2014

Thermal imagery is a relatively new technology to the wildlife field. Researchers have begun testing whether this tool can be used to increase detection rates for various wildlife species. Little research has been conducted on roost‐site selection of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), partially because locating roosting birds and viewing them in forested environments is impractical. We evaluated the efficacy of ground‐based thermal imaging combined with radiotelemetry to locate roosting male turkeys in southwestern Georgia, USA, 2011–2013. Using radiotelemetry and thermal imaging, we successfully collected data on 74 of 79 attempts (93.7%) to locate roosting male turkeys and identify the roost tree the bird was using. Compared with other methods of viewing roosting turkeys using thermal imagery, our methods were more successful. We recommend that researchers consider using ground‐based thermal imaging to conduct more detailed studies on roost ecology of wild turkeys. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Investigation of nanoscale element distributions at surfaces with grazing incidence X‐ray spectroscopy techniques – an instrumentation study
Authors: Brücher Martin , von Bohlen Alex , Becker Maria , Hergenröder Roland
Published: July 2014

Grazing incidence X‐ray methods are well‐established in the characterization of nanostructures at interfaces and surfaces. The purpose of the experiments reviewed in this work is the comparative characterization of different instrumentation concepts for grazing incidence X‐ray fluorescence analyses. Fluorescence scans recorded with a total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer featuring a variable angle of incidence are compared with data obtained with synchrotron radiation. The conclusions to the element distribution profiles, which are drawn from fluorescence scans carried out with the respective instrument, are compared. This way, the suitability of the total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer to complement synchrotron radiation facilities and the possibility to transfer surface and interface analyses from the synchrotron to the laboratory are assessed. The structures investigated include an Au on Si surfaces in the form of layers and particles, submicrometer‐sized droplets, a liquid film, and ions implanted into a Si wafer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prey size affects the costs and benefits of group predation in nymphs of the predatory stink bug Andrallus spinidens (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Hyodo Daisuke , Himuro Chihiro , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: July 2014

Group predation promotes foraging efficiency because it increases the size of prey that can be killed and improves hunting success compared to solitary predation. However, group predation may increase competition among group members during feeding. Earlier studies have focused on the advantages of group predation, but little is known about the costs and benefits of group predation for individual members of the group. Here, we show that the costs and benefits of group predation for individuals of the predatory stink bugAndrallus spinidensvary with prey size in laboratory experiments. We found that whenA. spinidensfed on small prey, group predation did not significantly increase foraging efficiency but did increase competition for food among group members. In contrast, when prey was large, group predation promoted foraging efficiency, and competition over food was not detected. Our results suggest that group predation byA. spinidensnymphs is advantageous for individual members because it enables each member to hunt larger prey that could not be hunted alone. However, when group size was large or prey size was small, group predation increased competition among group members.
Construction of an l-serine producing Escherichia coli via metabolic engineering
Authors: Gu Pengfei , Yang Fan , Su Tianyuan , Li Fangfang , Li Yikui , Qi Qingsheng
Published: July 2014

l-Serine is a nonessential amino acid, but plays a crucial role as a building block for cell growth. Currently, l-serine production is mainly dependent on enzymatic or cellular conversion. In this study, we constructed a recombinant Escherichia coli that can fermentatively produce l-serine from glucose. To accumulate l-serine, sdaA encoding the l-serine dehydratase, iclR encoding the isocitrate lyase regulator, and arcA encoding the aerobic respiration control protein were deleted in turn. In batch fermentation, the engineered E. coli strain YF-5 exhibited obvious l-serine accumulation but poor cell growth. To restore cell growth, aceB encoding the malate synthase was knocked out, and the engineered strain was then transformed with plasmid that overexpressed serAFR, serB, and serC genes. The resulting strain YF-7 produced 4.5 g/L l-serine in batch cultivation and 8.34 g/L l-serine in fed-batch cultivation.
Parenteral Lipid Emulsions in Guinea Pigs Differentially Influence Plasma and Tissue Levels of Fatty Acids, Squalene, Cholesterol, and Phytosterols
Authors: Harvey Kevin , Xu Zhidong , Walker Candace , Pavlina Thomas , McGrath Sheila , Zaloga Gary , Siddiqui Rafat
Published: July 2014

Lipid emulsions are made by mixing vegetable and/or fish oils with egg yolk and contain different types and amounts of fatty acids and sterols. This study assessed the effects of oral diet, soybean oil (SO)‐, fish oil (FO)‐, a mixture of olive and soybean oil (OOSO)‐, and a mixture of fish, olive, coconut, and soybean oil (FOCS)‐based emulsions on plasma triacylglycerols and plasma and tissue fatty acid and sterol content following acute and chronic intravenous administration in the guinea pig. Upon acute administration, peak triacylglycerols were highest with SO and lowest with OOSO. Upon chronic administration, the plasma triglyceride levels did not increase in any group over that of the controls. Fatty acid levels varied greatly between organs of animals on the control diets and organs of animals following acute or chronic lipid administration. Squalene levels increased in plasma following acute administration of OOSO, but plasma squalene levels were similar to control in all emulsion groups following chronic administration. Total plasma phytosterol levels were increased in the SO, OOSO, and FOCS groups following both acute and chronic infusions, whereas phytosterols were not increased following FO infusion. Total phytosterol levels were higher in liver, lung, kidney and adipose tissue following SO and OOSO. Levels were not increased in tissues after FO and FOCS infusion. These results indicate that fatty acid and sterol contents vary greatly among organs and that no one tissue reflects the fatty acid or sterol composition of other tissues, suggesting that different organs regulate these compounds differently.
Effect of strain rate on the compressive deformation behaviors of lotus-type porous copper
Authors: Liu Xin-hua , Huang Hai-you , Xie Jian-xin
Published: July 2014

Lotus-type porous copper was fabricated by unidirectional solidification, and compressive experiments were subsequently conducted in the strain rate range of 10−3–2400 s−1 with the compressive direction parallel to the pores. A GLEEBLE-1500 thermal-mechanical simulation system and a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) were used to investigate the effect of strain rate on the compressive deformation behaviors of lotus-type porous copper. The influence mechanism of strain rate was also analyzed by the strain-controlling method and by high-speed photography. The results indicated that the stress-strain curves of lotus-typed porous copper consist of a linear elastic stage, a plateau stage, and a densification stage at various strain rates. At low strain rate (< 1.0 s−1), the strain rate had little influence on the stress-strain curves; but when the strain rate exceeded 1.0 s−1, it was observed to strongly affect the plateau stage, showing obvious strain-rate-hardening characteristics. Strain rate also influenced the densification initial strain. The densification initial strain at high strain rate was less than that at low strain rate. No visible inhomogeneous deformation caused by shockwaves was observed in lotus-type porous copper during high-strain-rate deformation. However, at high strain rate, the bending deformation characteristics of the pore walls obviously differed from those at low strain rate, which was the main mechanism by which the plateau stress exhibited strain-rate sensitivity when the strain rate exceeded a certain value and exhibited less densification initial strain at high strain rate.
Preparation of high-strength Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Fe alloy via heat treatment and rolling
Authors: Liu Chong-yu , Yu Peng-fei , Wang Xiao-ying , Ma Ming-zhen , Liu Ri-ping
Published: July 2014

An Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Fe alloy was solid-solution treated at 560°C for 3 h and then cooled by water quenching or furnace cooling. The alloy samples which underwent cooling by these two methods were rolled at different temperatures. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the rolled alloys were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and tensile testing. For the water-quenched alloys, the peak tensile strength and elongation occurred at a rolling temperature of 180°C. For the furnace-cooled alloys, the tensile strength decreased initially, until the rolling temperature of 420°C, and then increased; the elongation increased consistently with increasing rolling temperature. The effects of grain boundary hardening and dislocation hardening on the mechanical properties of these rolled alloys decreased with increases in rolling temperature. The mechanical properties of the 180°C rolling water-quenched alloy were also improved by the presence of β″ phase. Above 420°C, the effect of solid-solution hardening on the mechanical properties of the rolled alloys increased with increases in rolling temperature.
Discovery of Sanggenon G as a natural cell‐permeable small‐molecular weight inhibitor of X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)
Authors: Seiter Maximilian A. , Salcher Stefan , Rupp Martina , Hagenbuchner Judith , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Mortier Jérémie , Wolber Gerhard , Rollinger Judith M. , Obexer Petra , Ausserlechner Michael J.
Published: July 2014

Defects in the regulation of apoptosis are one main cause of cancer development and may result from overexpression of anti‐apoptotic proteins such as the X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). XIAP is frequently overexpressed in human leukemia and prostate and breast tumors. Inhibition of apoptosis by XIAP is mainly coordinated through direct binding to the initiator caspase‐9 via its baculovirus‐IAP‐repeat‐3 (BIR3) domain. XIAP inhibits caspases directly making it to an attractive target for anti‐cancer therapy. In the search for novel, non‐peptidic XIAP inhibitors in this study we focused on the chemical constituents of sāng bái pí (mulberry root bark). Most promising candidates of this plant were tested biochemically in vitro by a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay and in vivo via protein fragment complementation analysis (PCA). We identified the Diels Alder adduct Sanggenon G (SG1) as a novel, small‐molecular weight inhibitor of XIAP. As shown by FP and PCA analyses, SG1 binds specifically to the BIR3 domain of XIAP with a binding affinity of 34.26 μM. Treatment of the transgenic leukemia cell line Molt3/XIAP with SG1 enhances caspase‐8, ‐3 and ‐9 cleavage, displaces caspase‐9 from XIAP as determined by immunoprecipitation experiments and sensitizes these cells to etoposide‐induced apoptosis. SG1 not only sensitizes the XIAP‐overexpressing leukemia cell line Molt3/XIAP to etoposide treatment but also different neuroblastoma cell lines endogenously expressing high XIAP levels. Taken together, Sanggenon G (SG1) is a novel, natural, non‐peptidic, small‐molecular inhibitor of XIAP that can serve as a starting point to develop a new class of improved XIAP inhibitors.
Effect of combining anesthetics in neonates on long‐term cognitive function
Authors: Lee Bradley H. , Hazarika Obhi D. , Quitoriano Gabe R. , Lin Nan , Leong Jason , Brosnan Heather , Chan John T. , May Laura D.V. , Yu Damon , Alkhamisi Ashkan , Stratmann Greg , Sall Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2014

Background

With growing evidence that anesthesia exposure in infancy affects cognitive development, it is important to understand how distinct anesthetic agents and combinations can alter long‐term memory. Investigations of neuronal death suggest that combining anesthetic agents increases the extent of neuronal injury. However, it is unclear how the use of simultaneously combined anesthetics affects cognitive outcome relative to the use of a single agent.

Methods

Postnatal day 7 (P7) male rats were administered either sevoflurane as a single agent or the combined delivery of sevoflurane with nitrous oxide at 1 Minimum Alveolar Concentration for 4 h. Behavior was assessed in adulthood using the forced alternating T‐maze, social recognition, and context‐specific object recognition tasks.

Results

Animals exposed to either anesthetic were unimpaired in the forced alternating T‐maze test and had intact social recognition. Subjects treated with the combined anesthetic displayed a deficit, however, in the object recognition task, while those treated with sevoflurane alone were unaffected.

Conclusion

A combined sevoflurane and nitrous oxide anesthetic led to a distinct behavioral outcome compared with sevoflurane alone, suggesting that the simultaneous use of multiple agents may uniquely influence early neural and cognitive development and potentially impacts associative memory.
Nationwide survey of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: The Japanese catheter ablation registry of atrial fibrillation (J‐CARAF)–A report on periprocedural oral anticoagulants
Authors: Murakawa Yuji , Nogami Akihiko , Shoda Morio , Inoue Koichi , Naito Shigeto , Kumagai Koichiro , Miyauchi Yasushi , Yamane Teiichi , Morita Norishige , Mitamura Hideo , Okumura Ken ,   on behalf of the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society's members
Published: July 2014

Background

Catheter ablation has become an established therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). To obtain a perspective on the current status of this therapy in Japan, the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS) conducted a nationwide survey, the Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (J‐CARAF). In this study, we focused on whether periprocedural use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) was related with excessive thromboembolic or bleeding complications.

Methods

Using an online questionnaire, JHRS requested electrophysiology centers in Japan to register the data of patients who underwent AF ablations in September 2011, March 2012, and September 2012. We compared the clinical profiles and ablation data, including the incidence of complications among patients in whom warfarin, a NOAC or neither was used as a periprocedural anticoagulant.

Results

A total of 179 centers submitted data relating to 3373 patients (62.2±10.6 years). Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) was observed in 64.4% of patients. Warfarin, as a periprocedural oral anticoagulant, was used by 53.6% (1808/3373) of patients. A NOAC was given to 541 subjects (dabigatran: 504 [16.1%], rivaroxaban: 37 [1.1%]). In the remaining 1024 patients (30.4%), no periprocedural oral anticoagulants (OACs) were used. The proportion of PAF in warfarin‐treated patients (61.1%) was significantly lower than that in NOAC‐treated patients (70.1%, p<0.01) or in patients not treated with an OAC (67.4%, p<0.01). Patients treated with uninterrupted warfarin therapy were associated with significantly higher CHA2DS2‐VASc scores. A total of 158 complications occurred in 151 subjects (4.5%). The incidence of complications in NOAC‐treated patients (14/541 [2.6%]) was lower than that in patients receiving uninterrupted warfarin therapy (4.8%, p<0.05). The incidence of pericardial effusion in NOAC‐treated patients (0.7%) was lower than in warfarin‐treated patients (2.6%, p<0.05). The difference in the periprocedural anticoagulant strategy was not related to the frequency of other bleeding events. Cerebral infarction occurred in one patient from each patient group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that NOACs are safe for use as substitutes for warfarin without causing excessive increases in the rates of thromboembolic or bleeding complications.
The effect of performance measurement systems on firm performance: A cross‐sectional and a longitudinal study
Authors: Koufteros Xenophon , Verghese Anto (John) , Lucianetti Lorenzo
Published: July 2014

Performance measurement (PM) systems have been popularized over the last 20 years and the operations management literature is replete with discussion of metrics and measurement systems. Yet, a comprehensive nomological network relating types of PM system uses to organizational capabilities and performance is lacking. Furthermore, there is scant empirical evidence attesting to the explanatory efficacy of PM systems as it relates to organizational performance. We view PM system uses through the lenses of the Resource Orchestration Theory (ROT) and explore specific relationships of underlying variables by relying on the Organizational Information Processing Theory (OIPT). Resting on the extant literature, we identify two types of uses which include Diagnostic Use (the review of critical performance variables in order to maintain, alter, or justify patterns in an organizational activity) and interactive use (a forward‐looking activity exemplified by active and frequent involvement of top management envisioning new ways to orchestrate organizational resources for competitive advantage) and relate them along with their interaction (i.e., dynamic tension) to organizational capabilities. We further link capabilities to target performance, which subsequently impacts organizational performance (operationalized through both perceptual and objective financial performance measures). The nomological network is tested via a cross sectional study (386 Italian firms) while the efficacy of PM systems to explain organizational performance is examined by using longitudinal panel data approaches over a 10 year period. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the use of PM systems leads to improved capabilities, which then impact performance. Contrary to the extant literature, however, we discovered that Diagnostic Use appears to be the most constructive explanatory variable for capabilities. On the other hand, in light of a longitudinal study, we also uncovered that Diagnostic Use experienced depreciating returns as far as objective financial measures are concerned. Also, when high levels of Diagnostic Use were coupled with low levels of Interactive Use, they produced the lowest levels of organizational capabilities. Conversely, high levels of both types of PM system use generated extraordinary high levels of capabilities. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that organizations cannot rely merely on Diagnostic Use of PM systems. We also learned that the effects of PM systems (measured via adaptation) fade unless high learning rates are applied. We offer detailed recommendations for future research which have theoretical as well as empirical implications.
Understanding and predicting the global spread of emergent infectious diseases
Authors: Brockmann Dirk
Published: July 2014

The emergence and global spread of human infectious diseases has become one of the most serious public health threats of the 21st century. Sophisticated computer simulations have become a key tool for understanding and predicting disease spread on a global scale. Combining theoretical insights from nonlinear dynamics, stochastic processes and complex network theory these computational models are becoming increasingly important in the design of efficient mitigation and control strategies and for public health in general.
Infections causing cancers: world burden and potential for prevention
Authors: de Martel Catherine , Plummer Martyn , Franceschi Silvia
Published: July 2014

Infections with viruses, bacteria, and parasites have long been identified as strong risk factors for specific cancers (Table 1) (IARC, 2012). Worldwide, about 2.1 million of the total of 12.7 million cancer cases that occurred in 2008 (16.5% of all cases) are attributable to infections (de Martel et al., 2012). This fraction varies 10-fold by region; it is lowest in North America, Australia, and New Zealand (≤ 5%) and highest in sub-Saharan Africa (>30%) (Figure 1). Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B and C viruses, and human papillomaviruses are responsible for 1.9 million cancer cases globally, mainly encompassing gastric, liver, and cervical cancer, respectively.
Multiresistente Risikoerreger - Krankenhaushygiene
Authors: Dettenkofer Markus
Published: July 2014

Einleitung

Die Prävention und Kontrolle von nosokomialen Infektionen und multiresistenten Pathogenen ist von größter Wichtigkeit für einen hohen Level an Patientensicherheit. Unterstützt durch jüngst erlassene Rechtsvorschriften wurden in Deutschland vor kurzem besser koordinierte Programme eingeführt. Gut ausgebildetes und hoch motiviertes Personal im Gesundheitsbereich scheint die entscheidende Komponente zu sein, um eine hohe Compliance hinsichtlich der etablierten Prinzipien der Infektionskontrolle zu erreichen.