bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New icing media for quality enhancement of chilled hake (Merluccius merluccius) using a jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) skin extract
Authors: Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat Marina , Miranda José M , Chan‐Higuera Jesús Enrique , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Aubourg Santiago P
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

An advanced strategy for chilled fish preservation, based on the inclusion in ice of an extract of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) skin (JSS), is proposed. Aqueous solutions including acetic acid–ethanol extracts of JSS were tested at two different concentrations as icing media, with the effects on the quality evolution of chilled hake (Merluccius merluccius) being monitored.

RESULTS

A significant inhibition (P < 0.05) of microbial activity (aerobes, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, proteolytic bacteria; pH, trimethylamine) was obtained in hake corresponding to the icing batch including the highest JSS concentration. Additionally, fish specimens from such icing conditions showed an inhibitory effect (P < 0.05) on lipid hydrolysis development, while no effect (P > 0.05) was depicted for lipid oxidation. Sensory analysis (skin and mucus development; eyes; gills; texture; external odour; raw and cooked flesh odour; flesh taste) indicated a shelf life extension of chilled hake stored in ice including the highest JSS concentration.

CONCLUSION

A profitable use of JSS, an industrial by‐product during jumbo squid commercialisation, has been developed in the present work, which leads to a remarkable microbial inhibition and a significant shelf life extension of chilled hake. In agreement with previous research, ommochrome pigments (i.e. lipophilic‐type compounds) would be considered responsible for this preservative effect. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Voice disorders and associated risk markers among young adults in the United States
Authors: Bainbridge Kathleen E. , Roy Nelson , Losonczy Katalin G. , Hoffman Howard J. , Cohen Seth M.
Published: December 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the prevalence of voice disorders in young adults and identify sociodemographic factors, health conditions, and behaviors associated with voice disorder prevalence.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health.

Methods

During home interviews, 14,794 young adults, aged 24 to 34 years, reported their health conditions and behaviors. Presence and duration of voice disorders were reported over the past 12 months. We computed overall and stratified prevalence estimates by age, gender, race/ethnicity, medical conditions, smoking, and alcohol use. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for a voice disorder while accounting for the complex sample design.

Results

Six percent of participants reported a voice disorder lasting at least 3 days. Females had 56% greater odds of voice disorders than males. Number of days drinking alcohol was associated with voice disorders, but number of smoking days was not. Conditions that increased the likelihood of voice disorders included hypertension (OR = 1.42 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.07‐1.89]), tinnitus (OR = 1.53 [95% CI: 1.06‐2.20]), and anxiety/panic disorder (OR = 1.26 [95% CI: 1.00‐1.60]). Results were independent of gender, alcohol consumption, upper respiratory symptoms, and lower respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis/emphysema, and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea/nausea/vomiting).

Conclusions

Voice disorders in young adulthood were associated with hypertension, tinnitus, and anxiety. Greater awareness of these relationships may facilitate voice evaluation among people who seek healthcare for these chronic conditions.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 127:2093–2099, 2017
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio correlates with proinflammatory neutrophils and predicts death in low model for end‐stage liver disease patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Kalra Avash , Wedd Joel P. , Bambha Kiran M. , Gralla Jane , Golden‐Mason Lucy , Collins Christine , Rosen Hugo R. , Biggins Scott W.
Published: December 2016

The Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score has reduced accuracy for liver transplantation (LT) wait‐list mortality when MELD ≤ 20. Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker associated with systemic inflammation and may predict cirrhotic decompensation and death. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of high NLR (≥4) for liver‐related death among low MELD patients listed for LT, controlling for stage of cirrhosis. In a nested case‐control study of cirrhotic adults awaiting LT (February 2002 to May 2011), cases were LT candidates with a liver‐related death and MELD ≤ 20 within 90 days of death. Controls were similar LT candidates who were alive for ≥90 days after LT listing. NLR and other covariates were assessed at the date of lowest MELD, within 90 days of death for cases and within 90 days after listing for controls. There were 41 cases and 66 controls; MELD scores were similar. NLR 25th, 50th, 75th percentile cutoffs were 1.9, 3.1, and 6.8. NLR was ≥ 4 in 25/41 (61%) cases and in 17/66 (26%) controls. In univariate analysis, NLR (continuous ≥ 1.9, ≥ 4, ≥ 6.8), increasing cirrhosis stage, jaundice, encephalopathy, serum sodium, and albumin and nonselective beta‐blocker use were significantly (P < 0.01) associated with liver‐related death. In multivariate analysis, NLR of ≥1.9, ≥ 4, ≥ 6.8 were each associated with liver‐related death. Furthermore, we found that NLR correlated with the frequency of circulating low‐density granulocytes, previously identified as displaying proinflammatory properties, as well as monocytes. In conclusion, elevated NLR is associated with liver‐related death, independent of MELD and cirrhosis stage. High NLR may aid in determining risk for cirrhotic decompensation, need for increased monitoring, and urgency for expedited LT in candidates with low MELD. Liver Transplantation 23 155–165 2017 AASLD
A Practical Approach to Reaction Calorimetry in Presence of Supercritical Vinylidene Fluoride
Authors: Méndez‐Ecoscia Ana C. , Sheibat‐Othman Nida , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: December 2016

A practical approach was implemented to follow the kinetics of the polymerization of supercritical vinylidene fluoride via emulsion polymerization using reaction calorimetry on a 4L laboratory scale reactor, in batch and semi‐batch mode. The heat flow term was studied by determining the dynamic evolution of the system under both non‐reactive and reactive conditions. Simultaneous estimations of the evolution of overall heat transfer coefficient and heat of reaction were determined using a high‐gain nonlinear cascade state estimator. Estimation strategy and hypotheses were validated by comparing the reaction rates obtained independently by calorimetry on the one hand and direct measurement of monomer consumption on the other. It was shown that while the presence of supercritical fluid in the head space led to some unexpected variation of the overall heat transfer coefficient, the method proposed here is robust enough that accurate values of the heat flow were obtained under all conditions.
Modelling and Optimization of Nonlinear Polymerization Processes
Authors: Bachmann Rolf , Melchiors Martin , Avtomonov Evgeny
Published: December 2016

Reactions such as branching and crosslinking leading to nonlinear polymers play an important role in many polymerization productions, but they increase the sensitivity of the processes and increase the requirements for their design and control. It is therefore desirable to have an accurate and simple means to model these processes. However, the simplest method for the description of the polymers: the method of moments was said to fail in the nonlinear case because of the so called closure problem. It will be shown here how to extend the method of moments to nonlinear processes in the pregel region − except scission − and thus provide a simple means for the simulation and optimization of the main parameters of a polymer distribution. Furthermore, the assumption of one radical per polymer molecule is no longer needed. The formulas allow average polymer properties to be easily included in flow sheet simulations or computational fluid dynamics codes and allow checking other more elaborate codes for the description of polymer distributions. Examples will be given for free radical polymerizations. An approximation in case of scission will be discussed together with an application to reversible polycondensation.
A Simplified Model to Describe the Effect of Alkyl Anilines on the Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Moreno Valeria Casson , Rubinato Alberto , Maschio Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

In the formulation of acrylic coatings, monomer blends are required to cure in situ using a peroxide initiator. Curing accelerators (typically alkyl anilines) are added to the blend in order to initiate the curing process at room temperature. This was proved to cause a process safety issue related to the presence of accelerators that increase the possibility of runaway reactions especially at industrial scale. In this paper, the polymerization of methyl methacrylate containing different curing accelerators has been studied. Based on Differential Scanning Calorimetry tests, a simplified kinetic model for the polymerization process has been developed, describing the induction time due to the presence of stabilizers, the global kinetic rate, and the influence of diffusion phenomena, based on a free volume theory approach specifically modified for the free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate added with different types of accelerators.
Extensible compact 8‐port MIMO antenna with pattern gain
Authors: Lee D.‐J. , Lee S.‐J. , Khang S.‐T. , Yu J.‐W.
Published: December 2016

A novel and compact 8‐port multi‐input multioutput (MIMO) antenna is presented, which uses pattern gain to achieve more than an ideal 6‐port polarimetric antenna gain. Antenna elements types, geometry on the common ground and antenna elements rotation are optimized for the pattern gain. The antenna consists of four pairs of inverted‐F antennas, quarter wavelength slot antennas, parasitic elements, and ground plane. For the orthogonality, the inverted‐F antenna for electric dipole and slot antenna for magnetic dipole are selected as elements of radiator. Four pairs of the inverted‐F antenna and slot antenna symmetrically stand on the ground and the antenna direction, location and the parasitic elements are studied for low mutual coupling and correlation. The proposed MIMO antenna shows isolation of better than −10 dB with an overall size of 0.5λ × 0.5λ × 0.13λ. The ergodic capacity of proposed antenna is presented to verify the MIMO antenna performance. The proposed 8‐port MIMO antenna is extensible to 40‐port antenna cube and its prototype is presented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:236–240, 2017
A compact multidirectional UWB MIMO slot antenna with high isolation
Authors: Srivastava Gunjan , Mohan Akhilesh , Chakraborty Ajay
Published: December 2016

A compact multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna with high inter‐element isolation without any decoupling network for UWB applications is proposed in this communication. Each antenna element is realized by etching the stepped slots in the ground plane. The stepped slot antenna not only reduces the footprint of the proposed antenna, but also provides directional radiation behavior which leads to high isolation among them. Each of the antenna element is radiating in one of the four cardinal directions, that results in multidirectional radiation characteristics. The prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. The size of the compact UWB MIMO antenna is 24 × 24 × 0.8mm3. The designed antenna radiates (S11 ≤ −10 dB) in the frequency spectrum of 3 GHz–10.9 GHz, with inter‐element isolation better than 20 dB. The acceptable values of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) and channel capacity loss (CCL) guarantees good MIMO performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:243–248, 2017
FMCW transceiver of short‐range proximity sensor in sea clutter
Authors: Choi J. H. , Lee J. M. , Jung M. S. , An J. Y. , Kim K.L.
Published: December 2016

A frequency‐modulated continuous‐wave (FMCW) transceiver of short‐range proximity sensor in sea clutter is presented. A higher rejection of sea clutter is achieved by employing an FMCW modulation. The FMCW transceiver has wide bandwidth, low phase noise, super linearity to detect a target in short‐range (some meters) against sea clutter having a radar cross section (RCS) relatively larger than that of the target. The performances of the proximity sensor are experimentally verified by an indoor test in a simulated sea clutter environment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:334–337, 2017
Analysis and design of a broadband coplanar Wilkinson power divider at X‐band
Authors: Han Juzheng , Liao Xiaoping
Published: December 2016

The analysis and design methods of a broadband coplanar Wilkinson power divider are proposed in this paper. The novelty is that cascaded two sections of coupled asymmetrical coplanar strips (ACPSs) are utilized to obtain broadband performance over X‐band and two resistors are used for isolation. The design equations are derived using even‐ and odd‐mode analysis. The specific structure parameters for broadband performance over X‐band are obtained through electronic design simulation tool and quasi‐static conformal mapping technique. The power divider is fabricated on GaAs substrate and is compatible with GaAs MMIC process. The measured results of the power divider show close agreement with the simulation. The measured return loss S11 is better than −15 dB across the entire X‐band, 8–12 GHz. Good dividing and high isolation properties are also revealed through measurements. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:307–312, 2017
A high directive Koch fractal Vivaldi antenna design for medical near‐field microwave imaging applications
Authors: de Oliveira Alexandre M. , Justo João F. , Perotoni Marcelo B. , Kofuji Sérgio T. , Neto Alfredo G. , Bueno Regis C. , Baudrand Henri
Published: December 2016

We present a new fractal slot edge antipodal Vivaldi antenna (AVA). When compared to a conventional AVA, it simultaneously extends the low‐end bandwidth limitation, mitigates the side lobe level, and increases the main lobe gain. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:337–346, 2017
A printed quasi‐Yagi antenna with dual‐stub‐loaded parasitic strip director for bandwidth enhancement
Authors: Xu Kai‐Da , Xu Han , Liu Yan‐Hui , Liu Qing‐Huo , Zeng Qingsheng
Published: December 2016

A novel printed quasi‐Yagi antenna with dual stubs loaded on a parasitic strip director has been presented. The impedance bandwidth is analyzed and compared when we add or eliminate the parasitic strip director. Then, two open stubs are loaded on the strip to excite an additional resonant mode, which lead to a wider impedance bandwidth. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this design, an antenna prototype is fabricated and tested. Experimental results show that the antenna provides a bandwidth ranging from 4.4 to 9.3 GHz and within the whole band larger than 4.1 dBi gain is achieved. Additionally, the proposed antenna presents a stable end‐fire radiation directivity and low cross‐polarization level at different frequencies with a compact structural size of 35 mm × 26 mm. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:447–451, 2017
Electronically reconfigurable filtenna for cognitive radios
Authors: Nachouane Hamza , Najid Abdellah , Riouch Fatima , Tribak Abdelwahed
Published: December 2016

A frequency tunable and bandwidth reconfigurable antenna with ring slot resonators embedded into its ground plane is presented. To achieve the bandwidth reconfigurability, two PIN diodes are inserted to couple or decouple two pairs of ring slot resonators from the antenna feed line. By switching the diodes on or off, the antenna can operate either in a wideband or narrowband mode. In the narrowband mode, two varactors are used to continuously tune the antenna operating frequency from 2.55 to 3.2 GHz. Due to the achieved bandwidths, the proposed structure can cover various bands used for LTE (1/2/7/33‐41 bands), WiMAX, and WLAN (802.11 b/g/n/s bands) applications. Similar radiation patterns with low cross‐polarization levels are obtained for different diodes states. The measured results show that the proposed design is potentially suitable for cognitive radio applications; in which the wideband mode is used for spectrum sensing while the narrowband mode for communicating over the selected channels. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:399–404, 2017
Enhanced window breakdown threshold of the split‐horn antenna using an E‐plane field shaper
Authors: Choi Jun‐Ho , Shin Jin‐Woo , So Joon‐Ho
Published: December 2016

A compact split‐horn antenna with a high‐power handling capability to be able to radiate high‐power pulse energy through vacuum dielectric window into the free space without the occurrence of dielectric/air breakdown is proposed at S‐band. To increase the threshold of dielectric/air and vacuum/dielectric breakdown, it uses the special E‐plane field shaper at the edges of the split‐horn aperture. The proposed split‐horn antenna has a high‐power handling capability of 50 MW which is five times larger than that of the conventional split‐horn antenna of 10 MW for the air breakdown threshold of 30 kV cm−1 as well as a similar antenna gain and a radiation pattern. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:442–447, 2017
An 8.5 GHz, 0.4 V, 300 ΜW armstrong VCO with dual transformer feedback and capacitor‐splitting gate inductive feedback
Authors: Gul Muhammad Talha , Ngo Duc Viet , Nguyen Xuan Tien , Lee Jong‐Wook , Park Hun‐Kuk
Published: December 2016

We present a low‐voltage Armstrong voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) suitable for an efficient low‐power wireless connectivity solution. The VCO employing dual transformer feedback in the Armstrong structure is further augmented with low‐power design techniques: the use of a cross‐coupled differential pair, dual transconductance boosting, and capacitor‐splitting gate inductive feedback. The dual transformer feedback and dual transconductance boosting effectively increase the output swing. In addition, the cross‐coupled differential pair is combined with capacitor‐splitting gate inductive feedback, which further reduces the transconductance for startup. The proposed VCO has been fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process; the fabricated device showed successful oscillation at 8.5 GHz while consuming 300 μW at 0.4 V, and its measured phase noise was −104.3 dBc/Hz at a 1‐MHz frequency offset. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:384–388, 2017
A high power fully integrated single‐chip CMOS transmitter for wireless communication of unmanned aircraft system
Authors: Roy Palash , Dawn Debasis
Published: December 2016

This letter presents a high power fully integrated single‐chip CMOS transmitter for automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast (ADS‐B) of unmanned aircraft system (UAS), operating at both 978 MHz Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) mode and 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090 ES) mode. The 4.38 mm × 0.95 mm fully‐integrated transmitter chip fabricated using 0.18 um CMOS process exhibits modulated output power of 23 dBm at 978 MHz with 102 MHz bandwidth, showing a potential replacement of the state‐of‐the‐art technology by significantly reducing the size and overall cost of the complete ADS‐B system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:432–439, 2017
High‐gain wide‐bandwidth low noise amplifier multi‐chip waveguide module at V‐band
Authors: Tolani Harshita , Rao Ch. V. N.
Published: December 2016

A low‐noise, high‐gain, wide‐bandwidth multi‐chip module has been developed at V‐Band with WR‐15 waveguide interface using commercial‐off‐the‐shelf (COTS) Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) Monolithic Millimeter‐wave Integrated Circuits (MMICs). Waveguide module design ensures there is minimal impact on noise figure and gain of MMICs due to integration on the module and it is rugged to sustain impact of fabrication/assembly tolerances. The realized six‐stage LNA module has small‐signal gain of 32–35 dB and room temperature noise figure ranging from 2.2 to 4.4 dB in 50–60 GHz frequency band. The module design has been simulated using 3D electromagnetic solver ‐ High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:380–384, 2017
Dielectric analysis of liquid solvents using microwave resonator sensor for high efficiency measurement
Authors: Mohd Bahar Amyrul Azuan , Zakaria Z. , Ab Rashid S. R. , Isa A. A. M. , Alahnomi Rammah A.
Published: December 2016

A microwave ring resonator sensor has been practically applied as a micro‐volume sensor dedicated to solvent characterization with perspectives for chemical substances. The tested microliter range liquid solution is placed on capillary glass which is a compatible medium for planar sensor integration. The electrical response between electric field and solvent is converted into a predictable relationship between dielectric properties and the relative permittivity of the solution. A compact split ring resonator has been fabricated and tested with several common solvents on trace amount of volume. The result achieved recorded a very high Q factor of 525 making it practically suitable for beverages industry application. Good agreement has been achieved between the theoretical, simulation, and parameters measurement where the measurement errors of the complex permittivity is less than 0.5%, validating the concept of the accurate characterization theory using planar sensor. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:367–371, 2017
Compact ultra‐wideband fractal monopole antenna with high gain using single layer superstrate
Authors: Singha Rahul , Vakula D.
Published: December 2016

A novel technique is applied on fractal monopole antenna to enhance gain for ultra wideband (UWB) applications. The fringing field effect of the antenna is increased by using dielectric superstrate, and it is designed by fabricating rectangular conductor on single side of the superstrate with dimension 10 × 21.5 mm2. The fractal structure is designed by the identical triangle structure in the radiating patch. The dielectric superstrate is placed on the fractal monopole antenna. At the time of feeding, the conductor of the superstrate is connected through ground plane of the antenna. The overall dimension of the fractal monopole antenna with superstrate is 24.5 × 21.6 × 3.15 mm3. The measurement result of the reflection coefficient is below −10 dB indicating impedance bandwidth of 3.1 to 11 GHz. The measured radiation patterns are also improved and peak gain of the conventional antenna increases approximately 1.6 dB by using superstrate with reference to conventional design. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:482–488, 2017
Low profile UHF loop antenna prototyped and investigated by circuit modeling
Authors: Taghvaee H. , Habibi A. , Rezaee A. , Zarinkhat F.
Published: December 2016

Here we proposed a low profile antenna which is an electrically coupled loop fed by a coaxial cable and operates in UHF band. With acquisition of a square loop, near zone is covered by magnetic field that has no harm to living being. By optimizing the dimensions with genetic algorithm 12% of bandwidth, 2.45 dB realized gain and 33% miniaturization (
) at 500 MHz is obtained. Afterwards, the performance of the antenna is analyzed with a general circuit model and verified using frequency domain solver simulation. In the measurement phase a technique was discovered improving the bandwidth even more, hence 150 MHz bandwidth equal 30% at 500 MHz was achieved. These characteristics together make this antenna very beneficial in mobile terminals that have a very wide area of applications such as ground station targeting UAVs and where antennas need to operate close to the human body. Due to semidirectional radiation pattern it can be used in short and medium range remote wireless bridge networks. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:459–463, 2017
The thoracic outlet syndromes: Part 2. The arterial, venous, neurovascular, and disputed thoracic outlet syndromes
Authors: Ferrante Mark A. , Ferrante Nicole D.
Published: December 2016

The thoracic outlet syndromes (TOSs) are a group of etiologically and clinically distinct disorders with 1 feature in common: compression of 1 or more neurovascular elements as they traverse the thoracic outlet. The medical literature reflects 5 TOSs: arterial; venous; traumatic neurovascular; true neurogenic; and disputed. Of these, the first 4 demonstrate all of the features expected of a syndrome, whereas disputed TOS does not, causing many experts to doubt its existence altogether. Thus, some categorize disputed TOSs as cervicoscapular pain syndrome rather than as a type of TOS. To better understand these disorders, their distinctions, and the reasoning underlying the categorical change of disputed TOS from a form of TOS to a cervicoscapular pain syndrome, a thorough understanding of the pertinent anatomy, pathology, pathophysiology, and electrodiagnostic manifestations of these pathophysiologies is required. This review of the TOSs is provided in 2 parts. In part 1 we covered general information pertinent to all 5 TOSs and reviewed true neurogenic TOS in detail. In part 2, we review the arterial, venous, traumatic neurovascular, and disputed forms of TOS. Muscle Nerve 56: 663–673, 2017
The thoracic outlet syndromes: Part 1. Overview of the thoracic outlet syndromes and review of true neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Ferrante Mark A. , Ferrante Nicole D.
Published: December 2016

The thoracic outlet syndromes (TOSs) are a group of etiologically and clinically distinct disorders with 1 feature in common: compression of 1 or more neurovascular elements as they traverse the thoracic outlet. The medical literature reflects 5 TOSs: arterial; venous; traumatic neurovascular; true neurogenic; and disputed. Of these, the first 4 demonstrate all of the features expected of a syndrome, whereas disputed TOS does not, causing many experts to doubt its existence altogether. Thus, some categorize disputed TOS as a cervicoscapular pain syndrome rather than as a type of TOS. To better understand these disorders, their distinctions, and the reasoning underlying the categorical change of disputed TOS from a form of TOS to a cervicoscapular pain syndrome, a thorough understanding of the pertinent anatomy, pathology, pathophysiology, and the electrodiagnostic manifestations of their pathophysiologies is required. This review of the TOSs is provided in 2 parts. In this first part we address information pertinent to all 5 TOSs and reviews true neurogenic TOS. In part 2 we review the other 4 TOSs. Muscle Nerve 55: 782–793, 2017
The additional effects of a probiotic mix on abdominal adiposity and antioxidant Status: A double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: Gomes Aline Corado , de Sousa Rávila Graziany Machado , Botelho Patrícia Borges , Gomes Tatyanne Letícia Nogueira , Prada Patrícia Oliveira , Mota João Felipe
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate whether a probiotic mix has additional effects when compared with an isolated dietary intervention on the body composition, lipid profile, endotoxemia, inflammation, and antioxidant profile.

Methods

Women who had excess weight or obesity were recruited to a randomized, double‐blind trial and received a probiotic mix (Lactobacillus acidophilus and casei; Lactococcus lactis; Bifidobacterium bifidum and lactis; 2 × 1010 colony‐forming units/day) (n = 21) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Both groups received a dietary prescription. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. The lipid profile, lipid accumulation product, plasma fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐α, adiponectin, and the antioxidant enzymes activities were analyzed.

Results

In comparison with the dietary intervention group, the dietary intervention + probiotic mix group showed a greater reduction in the waist circumference (−3.40% vs. −5.48%, P = 0.03), waist‐height ratio (−3.27% vs. −5.00%, P = 0.02), conicity index (−2.43% vs. −4.09% P = 0.03), and plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (5.65% vs. −18.63%, P = 0.04) and an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (−16.67% vs. 15.62%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Supplementation of a probiotic mix reduced abdominal adiposity and increased antioxidant enzyme activity in a more effective way than an isolated dietary intervention.
Understanding the Effects of Roasting on Antioxidant Components of Coffee Brews by Coupling On‐line ABTS Assay to High Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Opitz Sebastian E.W. , Goodman Bernard A. , Keller Marco , Smrke Samo , Wellinger Marco , Schenker Stefan , Yeretzian Chahan
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Coffee is a widely consumed beverage containing antioxidant active compounds. During roasting the phytochemical composition of the coffee bean changes dramatically and highly polymeric substances are produced. Besides chlorogenic acids that are already present in green coffee beans, melanoidins show antioxidant capacity as well.

Objective

To employ post‐column derivatisation by coupling high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) to an antioxidant assay to investigate the effect of roasting on the properties of antioxidant active compounds in coffee brews.

Methodology

We have investigated the antioxidant capacity of Coffea arabica (Arabica) and C. canephora (Robusta) beans that were roasted over the full spectrum of roast conditions (four roasting speeds to three roast degrees) by comparing the results from HPSEC coupled on‐line to the ABTS assay with those from two batch assays, Folin Ciocalteu (FC) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay.

Results

The antioxidant capacity showed a general decrease towards slower and darker roasted coffee for all three assays, indicative of heat degradation of active compounds. Hence, low molecular weight (LMW) compounds such as chlorogenic acids (CGAs) decreased progressively already from relatively mild roasting conditions. In contrast, high molecular weight (HMW) compounds (e.g. melanoidins) increased from light to dark roast degrees with lowering magnitude towards slower roasting profiles.

Conclusion

By coupling HPSEC on‐line to the ABTS assay we were able to separately quantify the contribution of HMW and LMW compounds to the total antioxidant capacity, increasing our understanding of the roast process. © 2016 The Authors. Phytochemical Analysis Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Morphologies and photoluminescence properties of GaN‐based thin films grown on non‐single‐crystalline substrates
Authors: Sato Yuichi , Fujiwara Atomu , Ishizaki Shota , Nakane Shun , Murakami Yoshifumi
Published: December 2016

Morphologies and photoluminescence properties of gallium nitride‐based thin films grown on non‐single‐crystalline substrates were investigated. The films were directly grown on quartz glass and amorphous‐carbon‐coated graphite substrates by a molecular beam epitaxy apparatus which has dual nitrogen plasma cells. Co‐supplying of indium and gallium with simultaneous operation of the dual nitrogen plasma cells brought isolated and nano‐pillar‐shaped structures to the films. On the other hand, such structures were not obtained when the films were grown by the single plasma cell operation. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of the films greatly depended upon the morphologies. The intensities of the PL peaks emitted from the films which have such nano‐pillar shaped structures were quite intense although the peak energies shifted to lower energy sides compared with those of the films grown by the single plasma cell operation.
Separating subadditive euclidean functionals
Authors: Frieze Alan , Pegden Wesley
Published: December 2016

The classical Beardwood‐Halton‐Hammersly theorem (1959) asserts the existence of an asymptotic formula of the form for the minimum length of a Traveling Salesperson Tour throuh n random points in the unit square, and in the decades since it was proved, the existence of such formulas has been shown for other such Euclidean functionals on random points in the unit square as well. Despite more than 50 years of attention, however, it remained unknown whether the minimum length TSP through n random points in was asymptotically distinct from its natural lower bounds, such as the minimum length spanning tree, the minimum length 2‐factor, or, as raised by Goemans and Bertsimas, from its linear programming relaxation. We prove that the TSP on random points in Euclidean space is indeed asymptotically distinct from these and other natural lower bounds, and show that this separation implies that branch‐and‐bound algorithms based on these natural lower bounds must take nearly exponential () time to solve the TSP to optimality, even in average case. This is the first average‐case superpolynomial lower bound for these branch‐and‐bound algorithms (a lower bound as strong as was not even been known in worst‐case analysis). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 51, 375–403, 2017
Open for Business
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: December 2016

Myanmar, Iran and Columbia have all developed in relative isolation until recently, but are now opening up to the global community. We asked research professionals in these fledgling markets to assess the chances and challenges.
The next privacy frontier
Authors: Smouter Kim
Published: December 2016

The legal framework is clearer, now onto winning the hearts and minds of people
Electrohydrodynamic‐Induced SERS Immunoassay for Extensive Multiplexed Biomarker Sensing
Authors: Kamil Reza Khondakar , Wang Jing , Vaidyanathan Ramanathan , Dey Shuvashis , Wang Yuling , Trau Matt
Published: December 2016

Cancer diagnosis and patient monitoring require sensitive and simultaneous measurement of multiple cancer biomarkers considering that single biomarker analysis present inadequate information on the underlying biological transformations. Thus, development of sensitive and selective assays for multiple biomarker detection might improve clinical diagnosis and expedite the treatment process. Herein, a microfluidic platform for the rapid, sensitive, and parallel detection of multiple cancer‐specific protein biomarkers from complex biological samples is presented. This approach utilizes alternating current electrohydrodynamic‐induced surface shear forces that provide exquisite control over fluid flow thereby enhancing target–sensor interactions and minimizing non‐specific binding. Further, the use of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐based spectral encoding with individual barcodes for different targets enables specific and simultaneous detection of captured protein biomarkers. Using this approach, the specific and sensitive detection of clinically relevant biomarkers including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2); Mucin 1, cell surface associated (MUC1); epidermal growth factor receptor; and Mucin 16, cell surface associated (MUC16) at concentrations as low as 10 fg mL−1 in patient serum is demonstrated. Successful target detection from patient samples further demonstrates the potential of this current approach for the clinical diagnosis, which envisages a clinical translation for a rapid and sensitive appraisal of clinical samples in cancer diagnostics.
Purification, characterization, and application of a thermostable dextranase from Talaromyces pinophilus
Authors: Zhang Yu-Qi , Li Ruo-Han , Zhang Hong-Bin , Wu Min , Hu Xue-Qin
Published: December 2016

Dextranase can hydrolyze dextran to low-molecular-weight polysaccharides, which have important medical applications. In the study, dextranase-producing strains were screened from various soil sources. The strain H6 was identified as Talaromyces pinophilus by a standard ITS rDNA analysis. Crude dextranase was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and Sepharose 6B chromatography, which resulted in a 6.69-fold increase in the specific activity and an 11.27% recovery. The enzyme was 58 kDa, lower than most dextranase, with an optimum temperature of 45 °C and an optimum pH of 6.0, and identified as an endodextranase. It was steady over a pH range from 3.0 to 10.0 and had reasonable thermal stability. The dextranase activity was increased by urea, which enhanced its activity to 115.35% and was conducive to clinical dextran production. Therefore, T. pinophilus H6 dextranase could show its superiority in practical applications.

Graphical Abstract
Influence of temperature and soil nitrogen and phosphorus availabilities on fine‐root productivity in tropical rainforests on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
Authors: Okada Kei‐ichi , Aiba Shin‐ichro , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: December 2016

We investigated how temperature and nutrient availability regulate fine‐root productivity in nine tropical rainforest ecosystems on two altitudinal gradients with contrasting soil phosphorus (P) availabilities on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo. We measured the productivity and the nutrient contents of fine roots, and analyzed the relationships between fine‐root parameters and environmental factors. The fine‐root net primary productivity (NPP), total NPP, and ratio of fine‐root NPP to total NPP differed greatly among the sites, ranging from 72 to 228 (g m−2 year−1), 281–2240 (g m−2 year−1), and 0.06–0.30, respectively. A multiple‐regression analysis suggested a positive effect of P availability on total NPP, whereas fine‐root NPP was positively correlated with mean annual temperature and with P and negatively correlated with N. The biomass and longevity of fine roots increased in response to the impoverishment of soil P. The carbon (C) to P ratio (C/P) of fine roots was significantly and positively correlated with the P‐use efficiency of above‐ground litter production, indicating that tropical rainforest trees dilute P in fine roots to maintain the C allocation ratio to these roots. We highlighted the mechanisms regulating the fine‐root productivity of tropical rainforest ecosystems in relation to the magnitude of nutrient deficiency. The trees showed C‐conservation mechanisms rather than C investment as responses to decreasing soil P availability, which demonstrates that the below‐ground systems at these sites are strongly limited by P, similar to the above‐ground systems.
T Cell Repertoire Diversity is Decreased in Type 1 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Tong Yin , Li Zhoufang , Zhang Hua , Xia Ligang , Zhang Meng , Xu Ying , Wang Zhanhui , Deem Michael W. , Sun Xiaojuan , He Jiankui
Published: December 2016

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is an immune-mediated disease. The autoreactive T cells in T1D patients attack and destroy their own pancreatic cells. In order to systematically investigate the potential autoreactive T cell receptors (TCRs), we used a high-throughput immune repertoire sequencing technique to profile the spectrum of TCRs in individual T1D patients and controls. We sequenced the T cell repertoire of nine T1D patients, four type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, and six nondiabetic controls. The diversity of the T cell repertoire in T1D patients was significantly decreased in comparison with T2D patients (P = 7.0E−08 for CD4+ T cells, P = 1.4E−04 for CD8+ T cells) and nondiabetic controls (P = 2.7E−09 for CD4+ T cells, P = 7.6E−06 for CD8+ T cells). Moreover, T1D patients had significantly more highly-expanded T cell clones than T2D patients (P = 5.2E−06 for CD4+ T cells, P = 1.9E−07 for CD8+ T cells) and nondiabetic controls (P = 1.7E−07 for CD4+ T cells, P = 3.3E−03 for CD8+ T cells). Furthermore, we identified a group of highly-expanded T cell receptor clones that are shared by more than two T1D patients. Although further validation in larger cohorts is needed, our data suggest that T cell receptor diversity measurements may become a valuable tool in investigating diabetes, such as using the diversity as an index to distinguish different types of diabetes.
Taming polysemous signals: The role of marketing intensity on the relationship between financial leverage and firm performance
Authors: Bae John , Kim Sang‐Joon , Oh Hannah
Published: December 2016

This study attempts to reconcile the two strands of research on the impacts of financial leverage on firm valuation. The prior literature has shown that financial leverage has a polysemous effect. In other words, it provides two opposing signals of firm performance (i.e., financial distress vs. a driver of positive change in a firm's prospects). Given that the effects of financial leverage are contradictory, we specify how these divergent signals appear and propose that there is a non‐monotonic effect of financial leverage on firm valuation. The study also shows that marketing activities can be strategically implemented to tame these polysemous signals. Marketing activities are costly actions for a firm, especially one in an adverse environment with high leverage, and are rewarded in terms of firm valuation. Therefore, marketing activities can help reinforce the driver signal and alleviate the distress signal of financial leverage, thus increasing firm valuation. This study finds a U‐shaped relationship between financial leverage and Tobin's q and a positive moderating effect of marketing intensity on the curvilinear relationship.
Active Aβ immunotherapy CAD106 in Alzheimer's disease: A phase 2b study
Authors: Vandenberghe Rik , Riviere Marie‐Emmanuelle , Caputo Angelika , Sovago Judit , Maguire R. Paul , Farlow Martin , Marotta Giovanni , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Scheltens Philip , Ryan J. Michael , Graf Ana
Published: December 2016

Introduction

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 90‐week study assessed safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of CAD106 with/without adjuvant in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐one patients received up to seven intramuscular injections of CAD106 (150 μg or 450 μg) or placebo ± adjuvant over 60 weeks. An amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) substudy was also conducted.

Results

CAD106 induced strong serological responses (amyloid‐beta [Aβ]–Immunoglobuline G[IgG]) in 55.1% (150 μg) and 81.1% (450 μg) of patients (strong serological responders [SSRs]). Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 24.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.7–33.8) of the patients in the active treatment group and in 6.7% (95% CI 0.2–31.9) in the placebo group. Three of the SAEs were classified as possibly related to study drug by the investigators. No evidence of central nervous system inflammation was found. Amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) occurred in six cases, all of them were strong serological responders. None of the ARIAs were symptomatic. Serum Aβ‐IgG titer area under the curves correlated negatively with amyloid PET standardized uptake value ratio percentage change from baseline to week 78 within the CAD106‐treated patients (r = −0.84, P = .0004). Decrease in cortical gray‐matter volume from baseline to week 78 was larger in SSRs than in controls (P = .0077).

Discussion

Repeated CAD106 administration was generally well tolerated. CAD106 450 μg with alum adjuvant demonstrated the best balance between antibody response and tolerability.
Non-invasive imaging using reporter genes altering cellular water permeability
Authors: Mukherjee Arnab , Wu Di , Davis Hunter C. , Shapiro Mikhail G.
Published: December 2016

Non-invasive imaging of gene expression in live, optically opaque animals is important for multiple applications, including monitoring of genetic circuits and tracking of cell-based therapeutics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could enable such monitoring with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, existing MRI reporter genes based on metalloproteins or chemical exchange probes are limited by their reliance on metals or relatively low sensitivity. Here we introduce a new class of MRI reporters based on the human water channel aquaporin 1. We show that aquaporin overexpression produces contrast in diffusion-weighted MRI by increasing tissue water diffusivity without affecting viability. Low aquaporin levels or mixed populations comprising as few as 10% aquaporin-expressing cells are sufficient to produce MRI contrast. We characterize this new contrast mechanism through experiments and simulations, and demonstrate its utility in vivo by imaging gene expression in tumours. Our results establish an alternative class of sensitive, metal-free reporter genes for non-invasive imaging.
Fas/CD95 prevents autoimmunity independently of lipid raft localization and efficient apoptosis induction
Authors: Cruz Anthony C. , Ramaswamy Madhu , Ouyang Claudia , Klebanoff Christopher A. , Sengupta Prabuddha , Yamamoto Tori N. , Meylan Françoise , Thomas Stacy K. , Richoz Nathan , Eil Robert , Price Susan , Casellas Rafael , Rao V. Koneti , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Restifo Nicholas P. , Siegel Richard M.
Published: December 2016

Mutations affecting the apoptosis-inducing function of the Fas/CD95 TNF-family receptor result in autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disease. However, Fas can also costimulate T-cell activation and promote tumour cell growth and metastasis. Palmitoylation at a membrane proximal cysteine residue enables Fas to localize to lipid raft microdomains and induce apoptosis in cell lines. Here, we show that a palmitoylation-defective Fas C194V mutant is defective in inducing apoptosis in primary mouse T cells, B cells and dendritic cells, while retaining the ability to enhance naive T-cell differentiation. Despite inability to efficiently induce cell death, the Fas C194V receptor prevents the lymphoaccumulation and autoimmunity that develops in Fas-deficient mice. These findings indicate that induction of apoptosis through Fas is dependent on receptor palmitoylation in primary immune cells, and Fas may prevent autoimmunity by mechanisms other than inducing apoptosis.
Bio-inspired self-shaping ceramics
Authors: Bargardi Fabio L. , Le Ferrand Hortense , Libanori Rafael , Studart André R.
Published: December 2016

Shaping ceramics into complex and intricate geometries using cost-effective processes is desirable in many applications but still remains an open challenge. Inspired by plant seed dispersal units that self-fold on differential swelling, we demonstrate that self-shaping can be implemented in ceramics by programming the material’s microstructure to undergo local anisotropic shrinkage during heat treatment. Such microstructural design is achieved by magnetically aligning functionalized ceramic platelets in a liquid ceramic suspension, subsequently consolidated through an established enzyme-catalysed reaction. By fabricating alumina compacts exhibiting bio-inspired bilayer architectures, we achieve deliberate control over shape change during the sintering step. Bending, twisting or combinations of these two basic movements can be successfully programmed to obtain a myriad of complex shapes. The simplicity and the universality of such a bottom-up shaping method makes it attractive for applications that would benefit from low-waste ceramic fabrication, temperature-resistant interlocking structures or unusual geometries not accessible using conventional top–down manufacturing.