bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and thermal property changes of plasticized spinning polyacrylonitrile fibers under different spinning speeds
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Zhaoling , Dang Xiaonan , Luan Dan , Wang Feng , Chen Hangyang , Wang Chentao
Published: June 2017

The effect of the spinning speed on structural and thermal properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers prepared by plasticized spinning was investigated. The PAN fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. We found that the surface morphology of the fibers was relatively smooth. The presence of a small amount of surface defects was caused by the instability of spinning process. The final fibers may have had two tensile fracture modes, that is, cluster breaking and axial split fracture. The structure of the as‐spun fibers was destroyed when the spinning speed was up to 500 m/min; this led to chain scission in the amorphous region. The final fibers exhibited mechanical properties that were roughly comparable to those of commercial PAN fibers. The changing trend in the cyclization temperature of the final fibers was consistent with that of crystallinity, which first increased and then decreased. The decomposition temperature in the amorphous region increased with increasing spinning speed. The decomposition temperature in the crystalline region increased with increasing crystallinity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45267.
Analysis of roles in engaging contentious online discussions in science
Authors: Hara Noriko , Sanfilippo Madelyn Rose
Published: June 2017

The prevalence of sites in which users can contribute content increases ordinary citizens' participation in emerging forms of knowledge sharing. This article investigates the practices associated with the roles of participants who actively contribute to the coproduction of knowledge in three online communities and how these roles differ in controversial and noncontroversial threads. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine was selected as a contentious scientific topic because of persistent belief about an alleged link between the vaccine and autism. Contributions to three online communities that engage mothers with young children were analyzed to identify participant roles. No consistent roles were evident in noncontroversial threads, but the role of mediator consistently appeared in controversial threads in all three communities. This study helps to articulate the roles played in online communities that engage in knowledge collaboration. The variety of roles in online communities has implications for both the study for practice and the design of information technologies.
News stories as evidence for research? BBC citations from articles, Books, and Wikipedia
Authors: Kousha Kayvan , Thelwall Mike
Published: June 2017

Although news stories target the general public and are sometimes inaccurate, they can serve as sources of real‐world information for researchers. This article investigates the extent to which academics exploit journalism using content and citation analyses of online BBC News stories cited by Scopus articles. A total of 27,234 Scopus‐indexed publications have cited at least one BBC News story, with a steady annual increase. Citations from the arts and humanities (2.8% of publications in 2015) and social sciences (1.5%) were more likely than citations from medicine (0.1%) and science (<0.1%). Surprisingly, half of the sampled Scopus‐cited science and technology (53%) and medicine and health (47%) stories were based on academic research, rather than otherwise unpublished information, suggesting that researchers have chosen a lower‐quality secondary source for their citations. Nevertheless, the BBC News stories that were most frequently cited by Scopus, Google Books, and Wikipedia introduced new information from many different topics, including politics, business, economics, statistics, and reports about events. Thus, news stories are mediating real‐world knowledge into the academic domain, a potential cause for concern.
Titius–Bode law applied to satellite systems: A historical sketch
Authors: Badolati E. , Ciccone S.
Published: June 2017

The aim of this paper is to examine the attempts made by some astronomers (Wurm, Challis, Carlini, and Gaussin), in the Nineteenth Century, for extending the Titius–Bode law to satellite systems and also for finding other formulae for planetary distances. Many flaws and naiveties that make vain these researches will be shown.
The cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii: B–V color of the flares
Authors: Zamanov R. K. , Latev G. Y. , Boeva S. , Ibryamov S. , Nikolov G. B. , Stoyanov K. A.
Published: June 2017

We report simultaneous observations of the flaring behavior of the cataclysmic variable star AE Aquarii (AE Aqr). The observations are in Johnson B and V bands. The color–magnitude diagrams (B–Vvs. V and B–Vvs. B) show that the star becomes more blue as it becomes brighter. In our model, AE Aqr's behavior can be explained with flares (fireballs) with 0.03⩽B–V⩽0.30, and temperature in the interval 8000⩽T⩽12000.
Data mining of near‐Earth asteroids in the Subaru Suprime‐Cam archive
Authors: Vaduvescu O. , Conovici M. , Popescu M. , Sonka A. , Paraschiv A. , Lacatus D. , Tudorica A. , Hudin L. , Curelaru L. , Inceu V. , Zavoianu D. , Cornea R. , Toma R. , Asher D. J. , Hadnett J. , Cheallaigh L. Ó
Published: June 2017

As part of the EURONEAR project, almost 70,000 mosaic Suprime‐Cam images taken between 1999 and 2013 were data‐mined for about 9,800 near‐Earth asteroids (NEAs) known by 2013 May. Using our PRECOVERY server and the new Find Subaru CCD tool, we scrutinized 4,186 candidate CCD images possibly holding 518 NEAs. We found 113 NEAs as faint as V<25
magnitude, their positions being measured in 589 images using Astrometrica, and then reported to the Minor Planet Center. Among them, 18 objects represent encounters of previously single opposition NEAs, their orbital arcs being extended by up to 10 years. In the second part of this work, we searched for unknown NEAs in 78 sequences (780 CCD fields) of 4–5 mosaic images selected from the same Suprime‐Cam archive and totaling 16.6 deg2, with the aim to assess the faint NEA distribution observable with an 8‐m class survey. A total of 2,018 moving objects were measured, from which we identified 18 better NEA candidates. Using the Rcfilter in good weather conditions, mostly dark time and sky directions slightly biased towards the ecliptic, at least one NEA could be discovered in every 1 deg2 surveyed.
Effects of Environmental Regulations on Trade Flow in Manufacturing Sectors: Comparison of Static and Dynamic Effects of Environmental Regulations
Authors: Hwang Jung‐Ah , Kim Yeonbae
Published: June 2017

This study analyzes environmental regulations and trade performance in manufacturing sectors under static and dynamic conditions. We investigate environmental innovation induced by environmental regulations and the spillover effect on manufacturing sectors, determine whether the spillover effect offsets any negative effect found under static conditions and analyze environmental regulations on the import side. For this, we formulate a trade model that incorporates the environmental innovation equation. We analyze environmental tax, energy tax and the Emissions Trading System (ETS) using strong, balanced panel data from 19 OECD countries for 1996–2009.

The results reveal that the static effect of energy tax on exports is negative, but the dynamic effect is positive; however, the positive effect does not offset the negative effect. In short, environmental tax and energy tax decrease the international competitiveness of the manufacturing sectors. Environmental tax and energy tax limit imports, especially in the high‐energy consumption group. The analyses of the ETS further complicate the overall picture. It shows that the further research on the effects of ETS on manufacturing firms' competitiveness over their foreign competitors in the global is required. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Intra‐Sectoral Differences in Climate Change Strategies: Evidence from the Global Automotive Industry
Authors: Damert Matthias , Baumgartner Rupert J.
Published: June 2017

Companies are increasingly challenged for action on climate change. Most studies on business responses to climate change focus on cross‐sector comparisons and neglect intra‐sectoral dynamics. This paper investigates the influence of supply chain position and regional affiliation on climate change strategies within a particular industry. We present a generic framework integrating both market and non‐market responses to climate change. We argue that climate change strategies comprise several corporate activities that have different foci of interaction and four main objectives: governance, innovation, compensation and legitimation. Using a global sample of 116 automotive companies, we conduct a cluster analysis and identify four types of strategy. We find that the sophistication of automobile manufacturers' strategies significantly differs from that of suppliers. Regional affiliation and firm size prove to be determinants of the strategy type pursued. We cannot find evidence for a relationship between financial performance and a company's strategic approach to climate change. © 2017 The Authors. Business Strategy and the Environment published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Preparation of Magnetic Microsphere‐Gold Nanoparticle‐Immobilized Enzyme Batch Reactor and Its Application to Enzyme Inhibitor Screening in Natural Extracts by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Hengshan , Lin Pingtan , Zhao Shulin , Li Shuting , Lu Xin , Liang Hong
Published: June 2017

A novel strategy for screening the enzyme inhibitors from the natural products by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with a pre column enzyme batch reactor prepared by magnetic microsphere (MB)‐gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is reported. The enzyme batch reactor was prepared by immobilizing the enzymes on the MB conjugated AuNPs (MB‐AuNPs). To demonstrate this strategy, xanthine oxidase (XOD) was employed as a model for the activity of the enzyme, inhibition study, and inhibitor screening. With the developed CE method, the enzyme activity was determined by the quantification of the peak area of the product. Enzyme inhibition can be read out directly from the reduced peak area of product in comparison to a reference electropherogram obtained in the absence of any inhibitor. A statistical parameter Z‘ factor was recommended for evaluation of the accuracy of a drug screening system. In the present study, it was calculated to be 0.7, implying a good accuracy. The screening of two natural extracts from Cortex Phellodendri and Rhizoma Galangae showed that they were positive for XOD inhibition by the present method. Using this immobilized enzyme technology combined with CE separation not only provides the advantages such as convenience, rapidity and low cost, but also provides a new platform for discovering enzyme‐inhibitor drug lead compounds.
N—H Insertion Reactions Catalyzed by a Dirhodium Metal‐Organic Cage: A Facile and Recyclable Approach for C—N Bond Formation
Authors: Kang Jian , Chen Lianfen , Cui Hao , Zhang Li , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: June 2017

A heterogeneous metal‐organic cage based on Rh‐Rh bonds [Rh4(pbeddb)4(H2O)2(DMAC)2] (MOC‐18; pbeddb2− = 3,3'‐(1,3‐phenylenebis(ethyne‐2,1‐diyl))dibenzoate) was applied to the N—H insertion reactions with diazo compounds. This method offered an environmentally friendly and highly efficient approach for C—N bond formation.
The association of QRS duration with atrial fibrillation in a heart failure with preserved ejection fraction population: a pilot study
Authors: Gigliotti Joseph N. , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Robert Alina M. , Zipursky Jonathan S. , Brown Jeremiah R. , Costa Salvatore P. , Palac Robert T. , Steckman David A. , Malenka David J. , Kono Alan T. , Greenberg Mark L.
Published: June 2017

Background

Heart failure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, yet patient risk stratification may be difficult. Prevention or treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) may be an important strategy in these patients that could positively affect their outcome. It has been demonstrated that in patients with systolic dysfunction, prolonged QRS duration (QRSd), an easily measured electrocardiographic parameter, is associated with AF.

Hypothesis

Prolonged QRSd is associated with an increase in prevalence of AF in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFPEF).

Methods

Between February 2006 and February 2009, 718 patients were discharged with a diagnosis of HF from the Dartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical Center. Of these, 206 had EF ≥50% by echocardiography performed within 72 hours of admission. After exclusions, 82 patients remained, of which 25 had AF and 57 had sinus rhythm. Characteristics of the AF and sinus‐rhythm patients were compared in this pilot study.

Results

After adjustment for age, prior diagnosis of HF, and left atrial area, there was a nonsignificant trend (odds ratio: 2.2, 95% CI of 0.3‐17.2) for a QRSd >120 ms to be associated with AF.

Conclusions

Similar to results in patients with systolic dysfunction, patients with preserved EF may have an association between a prolonged QRSd and AF.
Facile Synthesis of Holothurian‐Like γ‐MnS/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Xiaoyi , Peng Tao , Yu Qiuhong , Luo Rongjie , Liu Xianming , Zhang Yingge , Wang Yange , Guo Yan , Kim Jang‐Kyo , Luo Yongsong
Published: June 2017

The holothurian‐like γ‐MnS/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites are successfully fabricated through a facile two‐step hydrothermal method. The γ‐MnS@CNT hybrid nanocomposite is an attractive electrode material for supercapacitors as it exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a high specific capacitance of 641.9 F g−1 and cyclic stability of 94.6 % retention after 3000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, which are superior to those of CNTs and pure γ‐MnS nanoparticles. Furthermore, the as‐fabricated all‐solid‐state supercapacitor reveals remarkable specific capacitance of 263.5 F g−1, high capacitance retention, and a high energy density of 36.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 0.5 kW kg−1. The device maintains its supercapacitor performance well, even under bending or twisting states, indicating the excellent mechanical stability and flexibility of the device. The impressive results demonstrate the great opportunity for practical application of this metal sulfide‐based composite in high‐performance, flexible energy storage devices and wearable electronics.
Solid‐State Structure of a Bromo(difluoromethylenephosphonato)cuprate – a Key Intermediate for the Synthesis of α,α‐Difluoromethylenephosphonates
Authors: Alter Christian , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Weber Lothar , Hoge Berthold
Published: June 2017

Many approaches to introduce the CF2P(O)(OR)2 unit into organic molecules make use of CuI‐catalyzed couplings between organic halides and BrZnCF2P(O)(OR)2. Despite the great importance of this process for the synthesis of α,α‐difluoromethylenephosphonates, the constitution and molecular structures of the organozinc precursor and the catalytically relevant copper/zinc complex are still unknown. Here we report on the isolation of these two species, their spectroscopic characterization, and the determination of their structure by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. First orienting experiments on the stability of the cuprate reagent in solution at room temperature as well as its reactivity towards allyl bromides were subsequently performed.
Occurrence and human dietary assessment of fluoroquinolones antibiotics in cultured fish around Tai Lake, China
Authors: Song Chao , Zhang Cong , Kamira Barry , Qiu Liping , Fan Limin , Wu Wei , Meng Shunlong , Hu Gengdong , Chen Jiazhang
Published: June 2017

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used in the production of aquatic products and considered to be a significant contributing factor to the burden of both natural and aquaculture environments. However, the main types of fluoroquinolones present in aquaculture systems have not been determined. The objectives of the present study were to explore the occurrence of residual fluoroquinolone antibiotics in fish muscle tissues sampled from across the entire aquaculture season in the Tai Lake basin in China and to assess the dietary risks associated with the upcoming vendible fish in the last month of the aquaculture season. Fluoroquinolones were detected in 95.69% of all fish samples, and the concentrations ranged from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 47 108.00 μg · kg−1. Enrofloxacin contributed the most among the 9 fluoroquinolone antibiotics tested. Of the 4 fish species studied, enrofloxacin was present in bream at significant (p < 0.05) concentrations in August, with an average value of 321.45 μg · kg−1, while enrofloxacin concentrations peaked in crab and shrimp in September, with average values of 6949.60 and 460.82 μg · kg−1, respectively. However, different patterns were observed in perch, suggesting that other categories of antibiotics may be used in the production of this fish. Dietary risk assessment showed that the residual levels and estimated daily intake in bream, perch, and shrimp were far below the maximum residual level and acceptable daily intake. However, the average residual level in crab exceeded the maximum residual level, and the estimated daily intake value accounted for 78.49% of the acceptable daily intake, indicating potential consumption risk. In summary, the present study aims to guide the production and consumption of aquatic products. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2899–2905. © 2017 SETAC
Comparison of laboratory tests, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance elastography to detect fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiao Guangqin , Zhu Sixian , Xiao Xiao , Yan Lunan , Yang Jiayin , Wu Gang
Published: June 2017

Many noninvasive methods for diagnosing liver fibrosis (LF) have been proposed. To determine the best method for diagnosing LF in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), we conducted a systemic review and meta‐analysis to compare the performance of aspartate aminotransferase to platelets ratio index (APRI), fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4), BARD score, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), FibroScan, shear wave elastography (SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for diagnosing LF in NAFLD. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of these noninvasive methods for detecting significant fibrosis (SF), advanced fibrosis (AF), and cirrhosis. Heterogeneity was explored using meta‐regression. Sixty‐four articles with a total of 13,046 NAFLD subjects were included. The overall mean prevalence of SF, AF, and cirrhosis was 45.0%, 24.0%, and 9.4% in NAFLD patients, respectively. With an APRI threshold of 1.0 and 1.5, the sensitivities and specificities were 50.0% and 84.0% and 18.3% and 96.1%, respectively, for AF. With a FIB‐4 threshold of 2.67 and 3.25, the sensitivities and specificities were 26.6% and 96.5% and 31.8% and 96.0%, respectively, for AF. The summary sensitivities and specificities of BARD score (threshold of 2), NFS (threshold of −1.455), FibroScan M (threshold of 8.7‐9), SWE, and MRE for detecting AF were 0.76 and 0.61, 0.72 and 0.70, 0.87 and 0.79, 0.90 and 0.93, and 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. The summary AUROC values using APRI, FIB‐4, BARD score, NFS, FibroScan M probe, XL probe, SWE, and MRE for diagnosing AF were 0.77, 0.84, 0.76, 0.84, 0.88, 0.85, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively. Conclusion: MRE and SWE may have the highest diagnostic accuracy for staging fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Among the four noninvasive simple indexes, NFS and FIB‐4 probably offer the best diagnostic performance for detecting AF. (Hepatology 2017;66:1486–1501).
A phosphokinome‐based screen uncovers new drug synergies for cancer driven by liver‐specific gain of nononcogenic receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Fan Yannan , Arechederra Maria , Richelme Sylvie , Daian Fabrice , Novello Chiara , Calderaro Julien , Di Tommaso Luca , Morcrette Guillaume , Rebouissou Sandra , Donadon Matteo , Morenghi Emanuela , Zucman‐Rossi Jessica , Roncalli Massimo , Dono Rosanna , Maina Flavio
Published: June 2017

Genetic mutations leading to oncogenic variants of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are frequent events during tumorigenesis; however, the cellular vulnerability to nononcogenic RTK fluctuations has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrated genetically that in the liver subtle increases in wild‐type Met RTK levels are sufficient for spontaneous tumors in mice (Alb‐R26Met
), conceptually illustrating how the shift from physiological to pathological conditions results from slight perturbations in signaling dosage. By analyzing 96 different genes in a panel of tumor samples, we demonstrated that liver tumorigenesis modeled by Alb‐R26Met
mice corresponds to a subset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, thus establishing the clinical relevance of this HCC mouse model. We elucidated the regulatory networks underlying tumorigenesis by combining a phosphokinome screen with bioinformatics analysis. We then used the signaling diversity results obtained from Alb‐R26Met
HCC versus control livers to design an “educated guess” drug screen, which led to the identification of new, deleterious synthetic lethal interactions. In particular, we report synergistic effects of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase, ribosomal S6 kinase, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 1/2 in combination with Bcl‐XL inhibition on a panel of liver cancer cells. Focusing on mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase and Bcl‐XL targeting, we mechanistically demonstrated concomitant down‐regulation of phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase and myeloid cell leukemia 1 levels. Of note, a phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase+/BCL‐XL+/myeloid cell leukemia 1+ signature, deregulated in Alb‐R26Met
tumors, characterizes a subgroup of HCC patients with poor prognosis. Conclusion: Our genetic studies highlight the heightened vulnerability of liver cells to subtle changes in nononcogenic RTK levels, allowing them to acquire a molecular profile that facilitates the full tumorigenic program; furthermore, our outcomes uncover new synthetic lethal interactions as potential therapies for a cluster of HCC patients. (Hepatology 2017;66:1644–1661).
A Novel Non‐Apoptotic Role of Procaspase‐3 in the Regulation of Mitochondrial Biogenesis Activators
Authors: Kim Ji‐Soo , Ha Ji‐Young , Yang Sol‐ji , Son Jin H.
Published: June 2017

The executioner caspase‐3 has been proposed as a pharmacological intervention target to preserve degenerating dopaminergic (DA) neurons because apoptotic mechanisms involving caspase‐3 contribute, at least in part, to the loss of DA neurons in patients and experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we determined that genetic intervention of caspase‐3 was sufficient to prevent cell death against oxidative stress (OS), accompanied by unexpected severe mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, as we expected, caspase‐3‐deficient DA neuronal cells were very significantly resistant to OS‐induced cell death, while the activation of the initiator caspase‐9 by OS was preserved. Moreover, detailed phenotypic characterization of caspase‐3‐deficient DA cells revealed severe mitochondrial dysfunction, including an accumulation of damaged mitochondria with a characteristic swollen structure and broken cristae, reduced membrane potential, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and deficits in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzymes. Of great interest, we found that mitochondrial biogenesis was dramatically decreased in caspase‐3‐deficient DA cells, whereas their capability of mitophagy was normal. In accordance with this observation, caspase‐3 gene knock down (KD) resulted in dramatically decreased expression of the key transcriptional activators of mitochondrial biogenesis, such as Tfam and Nrf‐1, implicating a non‐apoptotic role of procaspase‐3 in mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, a prolonged anti‐apoptotic intervention targeting caspase‐3 should be considered with caution due to the potential adverse effects in mitochondria dynamics resulting from a novel potential functional role of procaspase‐3 in mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis activators. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 347–357, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mining the Proteome of Leishmania donovani for the Development of Novel MHC Class I Restricted Epitope for the Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Dikhit Manas R. ,   Vijayamahantesh, Kumar Akhilesh , Amit Ajay , Dehury Budheswar , Nathsharma Yangya Prasad , Ansari Mohammad Yousuf , Ali Vahab , Topno Roshan Kamal , Das VNR , Pandey Krishna , Sahoo Ganesh Chandra , Bimal Sanjiva , Das Pradeep
Published: June 2017

Although, the precise host defence mechanism(s) is not completely understood, T cell‐mediated immune responses is believed to play a pivotal role in controlling parasite infection. Here we target the stage dependent over expressed gene. Here, the consensus based computational approach was adopted for the screening of potential major histocompatibility complex class I restricted epitopes. Based on the computational analysis and previously published report, a set 19 antigenic proteins derived from Leishmania donovani were screened for further characterization as vaccine candidates. A total of 49 epitopes were predicted, which revealed a comprehensive binding affinity to the 40 different MHC class I supertypes. Based on the population coverage and HLA cross presentation, nine highly promiscuous epitopes such as LTYDDVWTV (P1), FLFPQRTAL(P2), FLFSNGAVV (P3), YIYNFGIRV (P4), YMTAAFAAL (P5), KLLRPFAPL (P6), FMLGWIVTI (P7), SLFERNKRV (P8), and SVWNRIFTL (P9) which have either a high or an intermediate TAP binding affinity were selected for further analysis. Theoretical population coverage analysis of polytope vaccine (P1–P9) revealed more than 92% population. Stimulation with the cocktail of peptide revealed a proliferative CD8+ T cell response and increased IFN‐γ production. An upregulated NF‐κB activity is thought to be play a pivotal role in T cell proliferation against the selected peptide. The Th1‐type cytokine profile (presence of IFN‐γ and absence of IL‐10) suggests the potentiality of the cocktail of epitope as a subunit vaccine against leishmaniasis. However, the efficiency of these epitopes to trigger other Th1 cytokines and chemokines in a humanized mice model could explore its plausibility as a vaccine candidate. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 378–391, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Generalization of the Hamilton–Waterloo Problem on Complete Equipartite Graphs
Authors: Keranen Melissa S. , Pastine Adrián
Published: June 2017

The Hamilton–Waterloo problem asks for which s and r the complete graph can be decomposed into s copies of a given 2‐factor F1 and r copies of a given 2‐factor F2 (and one copy of a 1‐factor if n is even). In this paper, we generalize the problem to complete equipartite graphs and show that can be decomposed into s copies of a 2‐factor consisting of cycles of length xzm; and r copies of a 2‐factor consisting of cycles of length yzm, whenever m is odd, , , and . We also give some more general constructions where the cycles in a given two factor may have different lengths. We use these constructions to find solutions to the Hamilton–Waterloo problem for complete graphs.
Working Alliance, Interpersonal Problems, and Depressive Symptoms in Tele‐Interpersonal Psychotherapy for HIV‐infected Rural Persons: Evidence for Indirect Effects
Authors: Anderson Timothy , McClintock Andrew S. , McCarrick Shannon S. , Heckman Timothy G. , Heckman Bernadette D. , Markowitz John C. , Sutton Mark
Published: June 2017

Objective

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of depression, yet little is known about its therapeutic mechanisms. As a specific treatment, IPT has been shown to directly reduce depressive symptoms, although it is unclear whether these reductions occur via interpersonal changes. Within IPT, the potential role of the working alliance, a common factor, as a predictor of depression and interpersonal changes is also unclear.

Method

Participants were 147 depressed persons living with HIV in rural communities of 28 U.S. states enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. Seventy‐five patients received up to 9 sessions of telephone‐administered IPT (tele‐IPT) plus standard care and 72 patients received standard care only. Two models were tested; one included treatment condition (tele‐IPT vs. control) and another included the working alliance as independent variables.

Results

The first model found an indirect effect whereby tele‐IPT reduced depression via decreased social avoidance. There was a direct effect between tele‐IPT and reduced depression. In the second model, the working alliance influenced depressive symptom relief via reductions in social avoidance. Both goal and task working alliance subscales were indirectly associated with reductions in depressive symptoms, also through reductions in social avoidance. There were no direct effects involving the working alliance. Tele‐IPT's influence on depressive symptom reduction was primarily through a direct effect, whereas the influence of working alliance depression was almost entirely via an indirect effect through interpersonal problems.

Conclusion

Study findings have implications for IPT when intervening with depressed rural people living with HIV/AIDS over the telephone.
Using experiential marketing to sell off‐road vehicles in India: The Polaris way
Authors: Arora Soma , Chatterjee Rajshekhar
Published: June 2017

Experiential marketing demonstrates the benefits of a product by allowing consumers to experience it in a meaningful way. For Polaris India—which faced the daunting task of carving out a local market for an unfamiliar product perceived as a luxury item and whose price was adversely affected by import taxes and currency fluctuations—this strategy created enough demand to generate substantial revenues. The company's experiences offer valuable lessons on how to exploit the opportunities that experiential marketing offers, particularly in circumstances where traditional sales approaches fail.
Workforce agility: Examining the role of organizational practices and psychological empowerment
Authors: Muduli Ashutosh
Published: June 2017

Despite broad recognition of the importance of agility in the workforce, little research has been conducted on the organizational characteristics and initiatives that engender it. Rooted in organizational and cognitive theory, a study of 524 employees in India's manufacturing and service sectors proposes that workforce agility is the result of specific organizational practices and psychological empowerment. Contributing to both management theory and practice, the findings show that an environment that encourages teamwork has the most influence in promoting agility, followed by programs that address reward systems, employee involvement, organizational learning and training, and information systems. In addition, the study found that agility is fostered by the psychological empowerment variable of impact, followed by self‐determination, meaning, and competence.
Zara vs. Uniqlo: Leadership strategies in the competitive textile and apparel industry
Authors: Anwar Syed Tariq
Published: June 2017

Zara from Spain and Uniqlo of Japan are leading firms in the fast fashion sector of the textile and apparel industry. An analysis of their corporate history and operational strategies explains their success in a highly competitive global environment. Maintaining distinct competitive advantages in brand visibility and quality, they continue to prosper through their ability to respond to consumer tastes, seek economies of scale through their global value chains, cultivate supplier networks that contain prices, and keep pace with Web‐based marketing platforms and online retailing trends. Their experiences offer valuable lessons in growth and international expansion.
Effect of linseed supplementation and slaughter age on meat quality of grazing cross‐bred Galician x Burguete foals
Authors: Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Crecente Santiago , Ruiz Marta , Sarriés María V , Lorenzo José M
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of finishing diet (control concentrate vs. linseed concentrate) and slaughter age (13 vs. 26 months) on meat and nutritional quality of foal meat. For this study, 46 foals from crossing Galicia Mountain x Burguete breeds were used.

RESULTS

The obtained results showed that slaughter age had an influence on chemical composition and colour parameters. Foals slaughtered at the age of 13 months had lower content of intramuscular fat and higher cholesterol contents than those slaughtered at 26 months of age. Regarding colour parameters, older foals showed the highest values of redness and lowest myoglobin contents. Finishing diet had a low effect on the majority of parameters evaluated. Foals fed with linseed presented lower shear force values than those fed with control concentrate. Fatty acid and amino acid contents were hardly influenced by finishing diet, whereas slaughter age effect had a high impact on fatty acid profile. Older animals showed lowest SFA values and n‐6/n‐3 ratio.

CONCLUSION

Older animals presented the best meat quality. Diet had low effect in meat quality and could be related to the short time during finishing diet was administered and the low amount of linseed in the experimental diet. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of phenolic composition in Carignan noir grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) from six wine‐growing sites in Maule Valley, Chile
Authors: Martínez‐Gil Ana M , Gutiérrez‐Gamboa Gastón , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa , Pérez‐Álvarez Eva P , Moreno‐Simunovic Yerko
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Among Chilean varieties, Carignan noir has had a major resurgence due to its rediscovered wine quality potential. For this, the aim of this study was to characterize phenolic composition of grapes grown in six sites from the Maule Valley.

RESULTS

The data showed that myricetin‐3‐glc and catechin were the most important flavonol and flavanol, respectively. Anthocyanin and flavonol composition was correlated with biologically effective degree days, exhibiting a relationship with grape maturity. Flavanol and hydroxycinnamic acid composition was inversely correlated to the average maximum temperature of the warmest month, showing that their synthesis is favored by cooler temperatures during the warmest month.

CONCLUSION

These results have enological and viticultural interest for grape growers as vineyard site selection for this cultivar can confer differentiable attributes in terms of grape composition and quality. On the other hand, understanding the effects of climate on the synthesis of phenolic compounds may be useful for managing the vineyards with the aim of improving grape quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural Course of Co‐Occurring PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder Among Recent Combat Veterans
Authors: Possemato Kyle , Maisto Stephen A. , Wade Michael , Barrie Kimberly , Johnson Emily M. , Ouimette Paige C.
Published: June 2017

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly co‐occur in veterans, yet little is known about the longitudinal course of PTSD and drinking in comorbid populations. This study assessed the natural course of daily alcohol consumption and weekly changes in PTSD symptoms in 112 recent combat veterans over the course of 11 months. Latent class growth mixture modeling was used to classify individuals into distinct classes with similar PTSD symptom and alcohol use growth trajectories. We then investigated theorized predictors of class membership including sociodemographics; pre‐, peri‐, and postdeployment factors; coping; symptom severity; and number of mental health/substance use appointments attended. Results revealed that most participants had severe and nonremitting PTSD. Trajectories for alcohol use included gradual and drastic declines, and chronic low‐level drinking. The use of behavioral health services (odds ratio = 2.47) and fewer current stressors (odds ratio = 0.42) predicted AUD remission. Because little variation was observed in the PTSD course, our study did not observe coordinated fluctuations of PTSD symptoms and heavy drinking. Our findings suggest that treatment impacts the course of AUD and that recent combat veterans who do not seek PTSD treatment may have chronic and severe PTSD symptoms.
Role of Point Shear Wave Elastography in the Determination of the Severity of Fibrosis in Pediatric Liver Diseases With Pathologic Correlations
Authors: Özkan Mehmet Burak , Bilgici Meltem Ceyhan , Eren Esra , Caltepe Gonul , Yilmaz Gulay , Kara Cengiz , Gun Seda
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Our aims in this study were as follows: (1) to determine the cutoff value that can distinguish between advanced liver fibrosis and normal liver tissue for two different elastographic techniques; (2) to determine the cutoff value that can distinguish mild liver fibrosis from normal liver tissue for the techniques; and (3) to assess tissue stiffness in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Seventy‐five patients assessed for liver biopsy on the same day were evaluated by point shear wave elastography. Thirty‐one healthy children and 11 children with NAFLD were also evaluated. A 9L4 transducer with Virtual Touch quantification (VTQ) and Virtual Touch imaging and quantification (VTIQ) modes (Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) was used for quantification.

Results

The shear wave speed of the patients with NAFLD was higher than that of the control group. The only predictive factor for VTQ and VTIQ was the histologic fibrosis score (model‐adjusted R2 = 0.56 for VTQ and 0.75 for VTIQ). Shear wave speed cutoffs were 1.67 m/s for VTQ and 1.56 m/s for VTIQ in detecting fibrosis or inflammation and 2.09 m/s for VTQ and 2.17 m/s for VTIQ in discriminating children with low and high histologic liver fibrosis scores.

Conclusions

The VTQ and VTIQ values reveal high‐grade histopathologic fibrosis and have high success rates when distinguishing high‐ from low‐grade fibrosis. However, they have limited success rates when differentiating low‐grade fibrosis from normal liver tissue.
Contrasting interannual changes in phytoplankton productivity and community structure in the coastal Canadian Arctic Ocean
Authors: Blais Marjolaine , Ardyna Mathieu , Gosselin Michel , Dumont Dany , Bélanger Simon , Tremblay Jean‐Éric , Gratton Yves , Marchese Christian , Poulin Michel
Published: June 2017

The rapid physical changes affecting the Arctic Ocean alter the growth conditions of primary producers. In this context, a crucial question is whether these changes will affect the composition of phytoplankton communities, augment their productivity, and eventually enhance food webs. We combined satellite and model products with in situ datasets collected during fall and provide new insights into the response of phytoplankton biomass and production in the Canadian Arctic by comparing an interior shelf (Beaufort Sea) and an outflow shelf (Baffin Bay). Correlation analysis was used to distinguish between seasonal and interannual variability and revealed that most biological variables are responding to the interannual pressures of climate change. In southeast Beaufort Sea, a change in phytoplankton community composition occurred, with a significant increase in diatoms from 2% (2002) to 37% (2010–2011) of the total protist abundance. In 2011, photosynthetic picoeukaryotes were twice as abundant as in 2002. For these two phytoplankton groups, abundance was correlated with the duration of the open‐water period, which also increased and affected vertical stratification and sea‐surface temperature. In contrast, there was a sharp decline in centric diatom abundance as well as in phytoplankton biomass and production in northern Baffin Bay over the years considered. These decreases were linked to changes in seasonal progression and sea‐ice dynamics through their impacts on vertical stratification and freshwater input. Overall, our results highlight the importance of stratification and the duration of the open‐water period in shaping phytoplankton regimes—either oligotrophic or eutrophic—in marine waters of the Canadian Arctic.
Metabolomic‐based identification of clusters that reflect dietary patterns
Authors: Gibbons Helena , Carr Eibhlin , McNulty Breige A. , Nugent Anne P. , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert , Gibney Michael J. , Brennan Lorraine
Published: June 2017

Scope

Classification of subjects into dietary patterns generally relies on self‐reporting dietary data which are prone to error. The aim of the present study was to develop a model for objective classification of people into dietary patterns based on metabolomic data.

Methods and results

Dietary and urinary metabolomic data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS) was used in the analysis (n = 567). Two‐step cluster analysis was applied to the urinary data to identify clusters. The subsequent model was used in an independent cohort to classify people into dietary patterns. Two distinct dietary patterns were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by significantly higher intakes of breakfast cereals, low fat and skimmed milks, potatoes, fruit, fish and fish dishes (p < 0.05) representing a “healthy” cluster. Cluster 2 had significantly higher intakes of chips/processed potatoes, meat products, savory snacks and high‐energy beverages (p < 0.05) representing an “unhealthy cluster”. Classification was supported by significant differences in nutrient status (p < 0.05). Validation in an independent group revealed that 94% of subjects were correctly classified.

Conclusion

The model developed was capable of classifying individuals into dietary patterns based on metabolomics data. Future applications of this approach could be developed for rapid and objective assignment of subjects into dietary patterns.
3,3’‐Diindolylmethane suppresses high‐fat diet‐induced obesity through inhibiting adipogenesis of pre‐adipocytes by targeting USP2 activity
Authors: Yang Hee , Seo Sang Gwon , Shin Seung Ho , Min Soyun , Kang Min Jeong , Yoo Ra , Kwon Jeong Yeon , Yue Shuhua , Kim Kee Hong , Cheng Ji‐Xin , Kim Jong Rhan , Park Joon‐Suk , Kim Jong Hun , Park Jung Han Yoon , Lee Hyong Joo , Lee Ki Won
Published: June 2017

Scope

Indole‐3‐carbinol (I3C), a derivative abundant in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, is well known for its various health benefits such as chemo‐preventive and anti‐obesity effects. I3C is easily metabolized to 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM), a more stable form, in acidic conditions of the stomach. However, the anti‐obesity effect of DIM has not been investigated clearly. We sought to investigate the effect of DIM on diet‐induced obesity and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

High‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed obese mouse and MDI‐induced 3T3‐L1 adipogenesis models were used to study the effect of DIM. We observed that the administration of DIM (50 mg/kg BW) significantly suppressed HFD‐induced obesity, associated with a decrease in adipose tissue. Additionally, we observed that DIM treatment (40 and 60 μM), but not I3C treatment, significantly inhibited MDI‐induced adipogenesis by reducing the levels of several adipogenic proteins such as PPAR‐γ and C/EBPα. DIM, but not I3C, suppressed cell cycle progression in the G1 phase, which occurred in the early stage of adipogenesis, inducing post‐translational degradation of cyclin D1 by inhibiting ubiquitin specific peptidase 2 (USP2) activities.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that cruciferous vegetables, which can produce DIM as a metabolite, have the potential to prevent or treat chronic obesity.
Benchmarking Geant4 hadronic models for prompt‐γ monitoring in carbon ion therapy
Authors: Vanstalle Marie , Mattei Ilaria , Sarti Alessio , Bellini Fabio , Bini Fabiano , Collamati Francesco , Lucia Erika De , Durante Marco , Faccini Riccardo , Ferroni Fernando , Finck Christian , Fiore Salvatore , Marafini Michela , Patera Vincenzo , Piersanti Luca , Rovituso Marta , Schuy Christoph , Sciubba Adalberto , Traini Giacomo , Voena Cecilia , Tessa Chiara La
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The real‐time monitoring of the spread‐out Bragg peak would allow the planned dose delivered during treatment to be directly verified, but this poses a major challenge in modern ion beam therapy. A possible method to achieve this goal is to exploit the production of secondary particles by the nuclear reactions of the beam with the patient and correlate their emission profile to the planned target volume position. In this study, we present both the production rate and energy spectra of the prompt‐γ produced by the interactions of the 12C ion beam with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) target. We also assess three different Monte Carlo models for prompt‐γ simulation based on our experimental data.

Methods

The experiment was carried out at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany with a 220 MeV/u 12C ions beam impinging on a 5× 5× 20 cm3 polymethyl methacrylate beam stopping target, with the prompt‐γ being detected by a hexagonally‐shaped barium fluoride scintillator with a circumscribed radius of 5.4 cm and a length of 14 cm, placed at 60° and 90° with respect to the beam direction. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out with three different hadronic models from the Geant4 code: binary ion cascade (BIC), quantum molecular dynamics (QMD), and Liege intranuclear cascade (INCL++).

Results

An experimental prompt‐γ yield of 1.06 × 10−2 sr−1 was measured at 90°. A good agreement was observed between the shapes of the experimental and simulated energy spectra, especially with the INCL++ physics list. The prompt‐γ yield obtained with this physics list was compatible with the measurement within 2σ, with a relative difference of 26% on average. BIC and QMD physics lists proved to be less accurate than INCL++, with the difference between the measured and simulated yields exceeding 100%. The differences between the three physics lists were ascribed to important discrepancies between the models of the physical processes producing prompt‐γ emissions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides prompt‐γ yield values in agreement with previously published results for different carbon ions energies. This work demonstrates that the INCL++ physics list from Geant4 is more accurate than BIC and QMD to reproduce prompt‐γ emission properties.
Bringing the On‐Line Control and Optimization of Semibatch Emulsion Copolymerization to the Pilot Plant
Authors: Zubov Alexandr , Naeem Omar , Hauger Svein Olav , Bouaswaig Ala , Gjertsen Fredrik , Singstad Peter , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter , Kosek Juraj
Published: June 2017

Due to hardening competition and increased focus on resource efficiency, efforts are made to develop advanced industrial optimization and control systems with the goal to shift the (semi‐)batch production from recipe‐based to a state‐based approach. This study illustrates the steps needed for the implementation of optimization and on‐line control of semibatch emulsion copolymerization involving the development of process model, its validation and connection with control software, and the realization at pilot plant scale. The process model must be fast and robust enough to provide estimation of the process trajectory reliably and quickly. Moreover, in connection with nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC), the model has to be able to learn from the process and to update parameter values in real time, e.g., due to change of reactor jacket heat transfer. The Cybernetica CENIT software is employed for NMPC. The industrial pilot‐scale semibatch emulsion copolymerization of four comonomers (two of them water soluble) is used for the demonstration of NMPC functionality for: (i) reactor temperature control, (ii) minimization of batch time while preserving product quality, and (iii) minimization of batch duration with desired simultaneous shift in product quality.