bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR125a‐5p acting as a novel Gab2 suppressor inhibits invasion of glioma
Authors: Sun Lei , Zhang Baogang , Liu Yuqing , Shi Lihong , Li Hongli , Lu Shijun
Published: January 2015

Poor prognosis of glioma is due to the characteristics of high invasiveness. Recently, it was demonstrated that Gab2 was over‐expressed and related to cellular migration and invasion in glioma, however, the mechanisms of regulation are still unknown. A better understanding of molecular events key to the carcinogenesis and tumor progression may facilitate development of new therapeutic targets and anti‐glioma strategies. This study is the first to focus on miR125a‐5p, which was predicted to regulate Gab2 with directly targeting the 3′ un‐translated region (3′UTR) of Gab2 and could inhibit migration and invasion of glioma cells by mediating Gab2 to affect cytoskeleton rearrangement and matrix metalloproteinases expression. Interestingly, further evaluation revealed that the miR125a‐5p promoter was hypermethylated and that attenuating promoter methylation was sufficient to up‐regulate miR125a‐5p expression in glioma cells. Additionally, we reported that miR125a‐5p was down‐regulated in glioma as well as statistical analysis suggested that its expression level correlated with the World Health Organization grades of glioma (P < 0.05) and that patients with a low miR125a‐5p level exhibited shorter survival time (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results reveal that miR125a‐5p represents potential therapeutic targets in glioma by modulating Gab2. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interleukin polymorphisms associated with overall survival, disease‐free survival, and recurrence in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Woods Nicholas T. , Monteiro Alvaro N. , Thompson Zachary J. , Amankwah Ernest K. , Naas Nina , Haura Eric B. , Beg Amer A. , Schabath Matthew B.
Published: January 2015

Biomarkers based on germline DNA variations could have translational implications by identifying prognostic factors and sub‐classifying patients to tailored, patient‐specific treatment. To investigate the association between germline variations in interleukin (IL) genes and lung cancer outcomes, we genotyped 251 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 33 different IL genes in 651 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Analyses were performed to investigate overall survival, disease‐free survival, and recurrence. Our analyses revealed 24 different IL SNPs significantly associated with one or more of the lung cancer outcomes of interest. The GG genotype of IL16:rs7170924 was significantly associated with disease‐free survival (HR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.50–0.83) and was the only SNP that produced a false discovery rate (FDR) of modest confidence that the association is unlikely to represent a false‐positive result (FDR = 0.142). Classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were used to identify potential higher‐order interactions. We restricted the CART analyses to the five SNPs that were significantly associated with multiple endpoints (IL1A:rs1800587, IL1B:rs1143634, IL8:s12506479, IL12A:rs662959, and IL13:rs1881457) and IL16:rs7170924 which had the lowest FDR. CART analyses did not yield a tree structure for overall survival; separate CART tree structures were identified for recurrence, based on three SNPs (IL13:rs1881457, IL1B:rs1143634, and IL12A:rs662959), and for disease‐free survival, based on two SNPs (IL12A:rs662959 and IL16:rs7170924), which may suggest that these candidate IL SNPs have a specific impact on lung cancer progression and recurrence. These data suggest that germline variations in IL genes are associated with clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cortical surface area and thickness in adult survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Tamnes Christian K. , Zeller Bernward , Amlien Inge K. , Kanellopoulos Adriani , Andersson Stein , Due‐Tønnessen Paulina , Ruud Ellen , Walhovd Kristine B. , Fjell Anders M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Advances in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have led to great improvements in survival rates and outcomes, but there is concern about cognitive late effects. We aimed to determine whether ALL survivors have smaller cortical surface area and/or thickness, and test whether this is related to disease and treatment variables and self‐reported executive functioning in everyday life.

Procedure

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 130 adult long‐term survivors of childhood ALL (age: 18–46 years; age at diagnosis: 0–16 years; years since diagnosis: 7–40) and 130 healthy controls were assessed to estimate and compare regional cortical surface area and thickness. Information on disease and treatment factors were obtained from patients’ records, and executive functioning in survivors was measured using a validated questionnaire (BRIEF‐A).

Results

Smaller cortical surface area was observed in several regions in both cerebral hemispheres in ALL survivors. In these regions, mean surface area was 4.1–5.5% smaller in ALL survivors compared to healthy controls. In contrast, only one region showed lower cortical thickness in ALL survivors. There were no significant associations between cortical surface area/thickness in these regions and disease or treatment variables. In ALL survivors, smaller surface area in prefrontal regions, encompassing parts of the superior frontal gyri and the left anterior cingulate cortex, was associated with problems in executive functioning, specifically with emotional control and self‐monitoring.

Conclusions

ALL survivors had smaller surface area in several cortical regions and smaller surface area in prefrontal regions was associated with reported problems in executive functioning. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1027–1034. © 2015 The Authors. Pediatric Blood & Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful treatment of kaposiform lymphangiomatosis with sirolimus
Authors: Wang Zuopeng , Li Kai , Yao Wei , Dong Kuiran , Xiao Xianmin , Zheng Shan
Published: January 2015

Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) is a rare and often fatal congenital lymphatic disorder that also commonly affects bone. Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA) is a novel subtype of GLA with poor prognosis and no proper treatment guidelines. A 9‐year‐old male with recurrent pleural effusion was clinically diagnosed as KLA. Following sirolimus therapy at a dose of 0.8 mg/m2 twice daily, pleural effusion was significantly decreased and the general status of the patient markedly improved. The clinical course indicates that sirolimus may present an effective therapeutic option in KLA. Moreover, KLA should be considered in differential diagnosis for cases of GLA with coagulopathy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1291–1293. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temperature‐dependency analysis and correction methods of in situ power‐loss estimation for crystalline silicon modules undergoing potential‐induced degradation stress testing
Authors: Spataru Sergiu , Hacke Peter , Sera Dezso , Packard Corinne , Kerekes Tamas , Teodorescu Remus
Published: January 2015

We propose a method for in situ characterization of the photovoltaic module power at standard test conditions, using superposition of the dark current–voltage (I–V) curve measured at the elevated stress temperature, during potential‐induced degradation (PID) testing. PID chamber studies were performed on several crystalline silicon module designs to determine the extent to which the temperature dependency of maximum power is affected by the degradation of the modules. The results using the superposition principle show a mismatch between the power degradation measured at stress temperature and the degradation measured at 25 °C, dependent on module design, stress temperature, and level of degradation. We investigate the correction of this mismatch using two maximum‐power temperature translation methods found in the literature. For the first method, which is based on the maximum‐power temperature coefficient, we find that the temperature coefficient changes as the module degrades by PID, thus limiting its applicability. The second method investigated is founded on the two‐diode model, which allows for fundamental analysis of the degradation, but does not lend itself to large‐scale data collection and analysis. Last, we propose and validate experimentally a simpler and more accurate maximum‐power temperature translation method, by taking advantage of the near‐linear relationship between the mismatch and power degradation. This method reduces test duration and cost, avoids stress transients while ramping to and from the stress temperature, eliminates flash testing except at the initial and final data points, and enables significantly faster and more detailed acquisition of statistical data for future application of various statistical reliability models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic performance of expression of PCA3, Hepsin and miR biomarkers inejaculate in combination with serum PSA for the detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Roberts Matthew J. , Chow Clement W. K. , Schirra Horst Joachim , Richards Renee , Buck Marion , Selth Luke A. , Doi Suhail A. R. , Samaratunga Hema , Perry‐Keene Joanna , Payton Diane , Yaxley John , Lavin Martin F. , Gardiner Robert A.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

Here, we report on the evaluation of the diagnostic performance of ejaculate‐derived PCA3, Hepsin, and miRNAs to complement serum PSA to detect prostate cancer. cDNA was prepared from 152 candidate specimens following RNA isolation and amplification for PSA, PCA3 and Hepsin qPCR, with 66 having adequate RNA for all three assays. Small RNA sequencing and examination of PCa‐associated miRNAs miR‐200b, miR‐200c, miR‐375 and miR‐125b was performed on 20 specimens. We compared findings from prostate biopsies using D'Amico and PRIAS classifications and in relation to whole gland histopathology following radical prostatectomy. Multivariate logistic regression modeling and clinical risk (incorporating standard clinicopathological variables) were performed for all ejaculate‐based markers.

RESULTS

While Hepsin alone was not of predictive value, the Hepsin:PCA3 ratio together with serum PSA, expressed as a univariate composite score based on multivariate logistic regression, was shown to be a better predictor than PSA alone of prostate cancer status (AUC 0.724 vs. 0.676) and risk, using D'Amico (AUC 0.701 vs. 0.680) and PRIAS (AUC 0.679 vs. 0.659) risk stratification criteria as classified using prostate biopsies. It was also possible to analyse a subgroup of patients for miRNA expression with miR‐200c (AUC 0.788) and miR‐375 (AUC 0.758) showing best single marker performance, while a combination of serum PSA, miR‐200c, and miR‐125b further improved prediction for prostate cancer status when compared to PSA alone determined by biopsy (AUC 0.869 vs. 0.672; P < 0.05), and risk (D'Amico/PRIAS) as well as by radical prostatectomy histology (AUC 0.809 vs. 0.690). For prostate cancer status by biopsy, at a sensitivity of 90%, the specificity of the test increased from 11% for PSA alone to 67% for a combination of PSA, miR‐200c, and miR‐125b.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that use of a combination of different types of genetic markers in ejaculate together with serum PSA are at least as sensitive as those reported in DRE urine. Furthermore, a combination of serum PSA and selected miRNAs improved prediction of prostate cancer status. This approach may be helpful in triaging patients for MRI and biopsy, when confirmed by larger studies. Prostate 75: 539–549, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel urinary long non‐coding RNA transcript improves diagnostic accuracy in patients undergoing prostate biopsy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ren Shan‐Cheng , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Liu Ya‐wei , Zhu Ya‐Sheng , Jing Tai‐Le , Wang Fu‐Bo , Chen Rui , Xu Chuan‐Liang , Wang Hui‐Qing , Wang Hai‐Feng , Wang Yan , Liu Bing , Li Yao‐Ming , Fang Zi‐Yu , Guo Fei , Lu Xin , Shen Dan , Gao Xu , Hou Jian‐Guo , Sun Ying‐Hao
Published: January 2015

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (LncRNA) PCA3 has been a well‐established urine biomarker for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). Our previous study showed a novel LncRNA FR0348383 is up‐regulated in over 70% of PCa compared with matched benign tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urinary FR0348383 for men undergoing prostate biopsy due to elevated PSA (PSA > 4.0 ng/ml) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE).

Methods

Post‐DRE first‐catch urine specimens prior to prostate biopsies were prospectively collected. After the whole transcriptome amplification, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction was applied to quantify urine FR0348383 and PSA levels. The FR0348383 score was calculated as the ratio of PSA and FR0348383 mRNA (PSA mRNA/FR0348383 mRNA × 1000). The diagnostic value of FR0348383 score was evaluated by logistic regression and decision curve analysis.

Results

213 cases with urine samples containing sufficient mRNA were included, 94 cases had serum PSA level 4.0–10.0 ng/ml. PCa was identified in 72 cases. An increasing FR0348383 score was correlated with an increasing probability of a positive biopsy (P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic analysis indicated FR0348383 score (P < 0.001), PSA (P = 0.004), age (P = 0.007), prostate volume (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of PCa. ROC analysis demonstrated FR0348383 score outperformed PSA, %free PSA, and PSA Density in the prediction of PCa in the subgroup of patients with grey area PSA (AUC: 0.815 vs. 0.562 vs. 0.599 vs. 0.645). When using a probability threshold of 30% in the grey zone cohort, The FR0348383 score would save 52.0% of avoidable biopsies without missing any high grade cancers.

Conclusions

FR0348383 transcript in post‐DRE urine may be a novel biomarker for detection of PCa with great diagnostic value, especially in the grey zone cohort. The application of FR0348383 score in clinical practice might avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies and increase the specificity of PCa diagnosis. Prostate 75: 653–661, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prostate‐specific membrane antigen‐based imaging in prostate cancer: Impact on clinical decision making process
Authors: Demirkol Mehmet Onur , Acar Ömer , Uçar Burcu , Ramazanoğlu Sultan Rana , Sağlıcan Yeşim , Esen Tarık
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

There is an ongoing need for an accurate imaging modality which can be used for staging purposes, metastatic evaluation, predicting biologic aggresiveness and investigating recurrent disease in prostate cancer. Prostate specific membrane antigen, given its favorable molecular characteristics, holds a promise as an ideal target for prostate cancer‐specific nuclear imaging. In this study, we evaluated our initial results of PSMA based PET/CT imaging in prostate cancer.

METHODS

A total of 22 patients with a median age and serum PSA level of 68 years and 4.15 ng/ml, respectively underwent Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT in our hospital between Februrary and August 2014. Their charts were retrospectively reviewed in order to document the clinical characteristics, the indications for and the results of PSMA based imaging and the impact of Ga‐68 PSMA PET/CT findings on disease management.

RESULTS

The most common indications were rising PSA after local ± adjuvant treatment followed by staging and metastatic evaluation before definitive or salvage treatment. All except 2 patients had prostatic ± extraprostatic PSMA positive lesions. For those who had a positive result; treatment strategies were tailored accordingly. Above the PSA level of 2 ng/ml, none of the PSMA based nuclear imaging studies revealed negative results.

CONCLUSIONS

PSMA based nuclear imaging has significantly impacted our way of handling patients with prostate cancer. Its preliminary performance in different clinical scenarios and ability to detect lesions even in low PSA values seems fairly promising and deserves to be supplemented with further clinical studies. Prostate 75:748–757, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial separation of semiochemical Lurem‐TR and entomopathogenic fungi to enhance their compatibility and infectivity in an autoinoculation system for thrips management
Authors: Mfuti David K , Subramanian Sevgan , van Tol Rob WHM , Wiegers Gerrie L , de Kogel Willem J , Niassy Saliou , du Plessis Hannalene , Ekesi Sunday , Maniania Nguya K
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

The effect of spatial separation of the semiochemical Lurem‐TR, which has been found to inhibit conidia of entomopathogenic fungi when put together, on the persistence of conidia of Metarhizium brunneum and M. anisopliae was evaluated in the greenhouse and field in order to develop an autodissemination strategy for the management of Megalurothrips sjostedti on cowpea crop. Influence of spatial separation of the semiochemical on thrips attraction and conidial acquisition by thrips from the autoinoculation device was also investigated in the field.

RESULTS

Persistence of conidia of M. brunneum and M. anisopliae increased with distance of separation of Lurem‐TR. Direct exposure of fungus without separation from Lurem‐TR recorded the lowest conidial germination as compared with the other treatments. Attraction of thrips to the device also varied significantly according to distance between device and semiochemical, with a higher number of thrips attracted when Lurem‐TR was placed in a container below the device and at 10 cm distance. There was no significant difference in conidial acquisition between spatial separation treatments of conidia and Lurem‐TR. Attraction of other insect pests to the device did not significantly vary between treatments. Positive correlations were found between conidial acquisition and thrips attraction.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that spatial separation of fungal conidia from Lurem‐TR in an autoinoculation device could provide a low‐cost strategy for effective management of thrips in grain legume cropping systems. © 2015 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Modulated free‐carrier absorption in silicon – a spectroscopy approach
Authors: Bychto Leszek , Patryn Aleksy
Published: January 2015

In the paper, an analysis of the spectral characteristics of the MFCA (modulated free‐carrier absorption) signal for silicon 3–5 Ω cm, n‐type is presented. During the change of the wavelength of a probe light, three distinctive regions are observed in the amplitude and the phase characteristics. In the first region (λprobe << hc/Eg), only the PCR (photocarrier radiometry) signal exists. The second region (λprobe > hc/Eg) is typical for the MFCA signal. The nature of the third region (λprobe near hc/Eg), characterized by a long relaxation time is being studied here. The spectroscopy approach to the MFCA technique provided an opportunity to explain the type of free‐carrier scattering mechanism that dominates in the NIR region. In the paper, an attempt was also undertaken to estimate the recombination parameters of the sample.
Astragaloside IV Attenuates Injury Caused by Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion in Rats via Regulation of Toll‐Like Receptor 4/Nuclear Factor‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lu Meili , Tang Futian , Zhang Jing , Luan Aina , Mei Meng , Xu Chonghua , Zhang Suping , Wang Hongxin , Maslov Leonid N.
Published: January 2015

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, in which inflammatory response and cell apoptosis play a vital role, is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Astragaloside IV (AsIV), a small molecular saponin of Astragalus membranaceus, has been shown to confer protective effects against many cardiovascular diseases. The present study was aimed to investigate the antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic effects and the possible mechanism of AsIV on MI/R injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, MI/R group and groups with combinations of MI/R and different doses of AsIV. The results showed that the expressions of myocardial toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) were significantly increased, and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was induced in MI/R group compared with that in sham operation group. Administration of AsIV attenuated MI/R injury, downregulated the expressions of TLR4 and NF‐κB and inhibited cell apoptosis as evidenced by decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling positive cells, B‐cell lymphoma‐2 associated X protein and caspase‐3 expressions and increased B‐cell lymphoma‐2 expression compared with that in MI/R group. In addition, AsIV treatment reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines induced by MI/R injury. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that AsIV downregulates TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway and inhibits cell apoptosis, subsequently attenuating MI/R injury in rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The slowly evolving background state of the atmosphere
Authors: Methven John , Berrisford Paul
Published: January 2015

The theory of wave–mean flow interaction requires a partition of the atmospheric flow into a notional background state and perturbations to it. Here, a background state, known as the Modified Lagrangian Mean (MLM), is defined as the zonally symmetric state obtained by requiring that every potential vorticity (PV) contour lying within an isentropic layer encloses the same mass and circulation as in the full flow. For adiabatic and frictionless flow, these two integral properties are time‐invariant and the MLM state is a steady solution of the primitive equations. The time dependence in the adiabatic flow is put into the perturbations, which can be described by a wave‐activity conservation law that is exact even at large amplitude. Furthermore, the effects of non‐conservative processes on wave activity can be calculated from the conservation law.

A new method to calculate the MLM state is introduced, where the position of the lower boundary is obtained as part of the solution. The results are illustrated using Northern Hemisphere ERA‐Interim data. The MLM state evolves slowly, implying that the net non‐conservative effects are weak. Although ‘adiabatic eddy fluxes’ cannot affect the MLM state, the effects of Rossby‐wave breaking, PV filamentation and subsequent dissipation result in sharpening of the polar vortex edge and meridional shifts in the MLM zonal flow, both at tropopause level and on the winter stratospheric vortex. The rate of downward migration of wave activity during stratospheric sudden warmings is shown to be given by the vertical scale associated with polar vortex tilt divided by the time‐scale for wave dissipation estimated from the wave‐activity conservation law. Aspects of troposphere–stratosphere interaction are discussed.

The new framework is suitable to examine the climate and its interactions with disturbances, such as midlatitude storm tracks, and makes a clean partition between adiabatic and non‐conservative processes.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Field‐Effect‐Transistor NonEnzyme Dopamine Sensors Based on Pt/Conducting Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Jun Seop , Oh Jungkyun , Kim Sung Gun , Jang Jyongsik
Published: January 2015

Dopamine (DA), as one of catecholamine family of neurotransmitters, is crucially important in humans owing to various critical effects on biometric system such as brine circuitry, neuronal plasticity, organization of stress responses, and control of cardiovascular and renal organizations. Abnormal level of dopamine in the central nervous system causes several neurological diseases, e.g., schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and attention deficit hybperactivity disorder (ADHD)/attention deficit disorder (ADD). In this report, we suggest the fabrication of nonenzyme field effect transistor (FET) sensor composed of immobilized Pt particle decorated conducting‐polymer (3‐carboxylate polypyrrole) nanoparticles (Pt_CPPy) to detect dopamine. The hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are produced by means of facile chemical reduction of pristine CPPyNP‐contained Pt precursor (PtCl4) solution. The Pt_CPPys are then immobilized on an amine‐functionalized (–NH2) interdigitated‐array electrode substrate, through the formation of covalent bonds with amine groups (–CONH). The resulting Pt_CPPy‐based FET sensors exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity toward DA at unprecedentedly low concentrations (100 × 10−15m) and among interfering biomolecules, respectively. Additionally, due to the covalent bonding involved in the immobilization process, a longer lifetime is expected for the FET sensor.
Photopatterning of Cross‐Linkable Epoxide‐Functionalized Block Copolymers and Dual‐Tone Nanostructure Development for Fabrication Across the Nano‐ and Microscales
Authors: He Chunlin , Stoykovich Mark P.
Published: January 2015

The self‐assembly of block copolymers in thin films provides an attractive approach to patterning 5–100 nm structures. Cross‐linking and photopatterning of the self‐assembled block copolymer morphologies provide further opportunities to structure such materials for lithographic applications, and to also enhance the thermal, chemical, or mechanical stability of such nanostructures to achieve robust templates for subsequent fabrication processes. Here, model lamellar‐forming diblock copolymers of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) with an epoxide functionality are synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. We demonstrate that self‐assembly and cross‐linking of the reactive block copolymer materials in thin films can be decoupled into distinct, controlled process steps using solvent annealing and thermal treatment/ultraviolet exposure, respectively. Conventional optical lithography approaches can also be applied to the cross‐linkable block copolymer materials in thin films and enable simultaneous structure formation across scales—micrometer scale patterns achieved by photolithography and nanostructures via self‐assembly of the block copolymer. Such materials and processes are thus shown to be capable of self‐assembling distinct block copolymers (e.g., lamellae of significantly different periodicity) in adjacent regions of a continuous thin film.
In vitro starch digestibility and in vivo glucose response of gelatinized potato starch in the presence of non‐starch polysaccharides
Authors: Sasaki Tomoko , Sotome Itaru , Okadome Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

Blending non‐starch polysaccharides with starch is expected to change the rate and extent of starch digestion and has a potential effect on glucose response. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of four water‐soluble non‐starch polysaccharides: xanthan gum, guar gum, pectin, and konjac‐glucomannan, on in vitro starch digestibility and in vivo glucose response of gelatinized potato starch. Gelatinized potato starch was digested rapidly, and the added polysaccharides significantly reduced the digestion of gelatinized potato starch even over a short reaction time. Postprandial blood glucose response in rats was reduced by the addition of polysaccharides to gelatinized potato starch. The effects on the blood glucose level after ingestion were dependent on the type of polysaccharide. The addition of xanthan gum significantly reduced the blood glucose levels at 30 min, whereas guar gum and pectin reduced the levels at 60 min. The interaction between gelatinized potato amylopectin and polysaccharides was investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance. Xanthan gum was found to be immobilized on the layer of gelatinized amylopectin, suggesting that interaction between starch and xanthan gum is one of the major factors in starch hydrolysis inhibition.
Ultrasound effect on molecular weight reduction of amylopectin
Authors: Peres Gisele Louro , Leite Daiani Canabarro , Silveira Nadya Pesce da
Published: January 2015

Amylopectin is a major polymer found in native starch granules and presents wide applicability as a biomaterial because of its low cost and biocompatibility. However, in many cases, the use of polysaccharides with low molecular weight is needed, mainly due to the possibility to produce functionalized nanomaterials, as well as to increase their diffusion quality. An effective technique for reducing the molecular weight of polysaccharides without chemical structure alteration is the ultrasound technique. In this paper, amylopectin solubilized in DMSO 90% (v/v) was submitted to ultrasound treatment under various conditions. For the evaluation before and after ultrasound treatment, laser light scattering (LLS) techniques, and viscosity measurements accompanied by pH, conductivity and temperature observations were carried out. As a result of the ultrasound treatment a decrease in the size of the polymer chains and solution viscosity were observed in all the conditions analyzed, demonstrating a low‐cost method for reducing the molecular weight of amylopectin.
Dual high‐stake emerging technologies: a review of the climate engineering research literature
Authors: Linnér Björn‐Ola , Wibeck Victoria
Published: January 2015

The literature on climate engineering, or geoengineering, covers a wide range of potential methods for solar radiation management or carbon dioxide removal that vary in technical aspects, temporal and spatial scales, potential environmental impacts, and legal, ethical, and governance challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive review of social and natural science papers on this topic since 2006 and listed in SCOPUS and Web of Science. It adds to previous literature reviews by combining analyses of bibliometric patterns and of trends in how the technologies are framed in terms of content, motivations, stakes, and recommendations. Most peer‐reviewed climate engineering literature does not weigh the risks and new, additional, benefits of the various technologies, but emphasizes either the potential dangers of climate engineering or the climate change consequences of refraining from considering the research, development, demonstration, and/or deployment of climate engineering technologies. To analyse this polarity, not prevalent in the literature on earlier emerging technologies, we explore the concept of dual high‐stake technologies. As appeals to fear have proven ineffective in spurring public engagement in climate change, we may not expect significant public support for climate engineering technologies whose rationale is not to achieve benefits in addition to avoiding the high stakes of climate change. Furthermore, in designing public engagement exercises, researchers must be careful not to steer discussions by emphasizing one type of stake framing over another. A dual high‐stake, rather than risk–benefit, framing should also be considered in analysing some emerging technologies with similar characteristics, for example, nanotechnology for pollution control. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:255–268. doi: 10.1002/wcc.333

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice
Choice of X‐ray mass attenuation coefficients for PIXE analysis of silicate minerals and rocks
Authors: Heirwegh Christopher M. , Pradler Irina , Campbell John L.
Published: January 2015

The accuracy of each of three mass attenuation coefficient databases was assessed using particle‐induced X‐ray emission measurements performed on well‐characterized, homogeneous silicate glass and mineral standards. In a fundamental parameters computation, the absolute efficiency constants of the light elements Mg, Al and Si, found within each standard, were determined. These were compared with the efficiency constants deduced from separate particle‐induced X‐ray emission measurements performed on pure targets of the same three elements. In this comparison, a 7–9% discrepancy was found when using the XCOM database for the computation, but this was reduced to 2–5% when FFAST coefficients were substituted. Further improvement was achieved when a hybrid database was adopted. This ‘Mixed’ database consisted of primarily XCOM coefficients with FFAST values inserted for the light element (Z = 11,…, 14) attenuation of photons having energy less than their K edge and for oxygen in the 1–2 keV range. The average efficiency constant discrepancies were reduced to −0.5–2%. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of kernel emission spectrum of a mini X‐ray tube for EDXRF applications
Authors: Díaz Alfredo , Parra Cristian , Valdés Christian , Santibañez Mauricio , Figueroa Rodolfo G.
Published: January 2015

Knowing the spectrum near the output of the relatively new mini X‐ray tube (MXRT) commercial models is fundamentally important in energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence scan images, especially in the in vivo applications. This information is relevant for determining the absorbed dose during a measurement and for absolute quantification by a fundamental parameter method. However, it is not possible to measure it directly using a silicon drift detector (SDD) given the high saturation in the counts. In this work, an experimental methodology is developed for determining the kernel spectrum emitted by the MXRT, enabling the quantification of its energy flux density over short distances. Different distances were used: source–detector, solid emission angle (collimation), attenuation characteristics of the medium (air), and in a vacuum, within an energy range of 1–40 keV, to determine the X‐ray tube spectrum. The spectrum is measured by an SDD, taking its efficiency and dead time into account. In order to verify the method, a spectrum that is rebuilt starting with the kernel is compared, under the same conditions, with a reference spectrum that is directly measured in air and with a theoretical spectrum obtained by the Ebel model. The results are consistent and validate the methodology employed in this work. Additionally, low‐energy peaks were detected, corresponding to the tube material's L lines, which are not present in the original spectrum reported by the manufacturer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Achalasia and Epiphrenic Diverticulum
Authors: Herbella Fernando A. M. , Patti Marco G.
Published: January 2015

Esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum (EED) is a pseudodiverticulum of pulsion type located in the distal 10 cm of the esophagus and frequently associated to achalasia. The symptoms and the pathophysiology of achalasia and EED may overlap, leading to the speculation that achalasia may be responsible for the symptoms. Similarly to patients with achalasia without EED, a careful preoperative evaluation is essential in patients with EED. Endoscopy and an esophagram are mandatory in the workup of these patients, while esophageal manometry confirms the associated motility disorder. Treatment is indicated in all patients fit for an operation except those who are asymptomatic with a small EED and no prior history of aspiration. Laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy and partial fundoplication is the most adequate therapy. Diverticulectomy must be added to the procedure in large diverticula. Experience with endoscopic therapy is very limited.
The Impact on the Family of Four Neurogenetic Syndromes: A Comparative Study of Parental Views
Authors: Reilly Colin , Murtagh Lelia , Senior Joyce
Published: January 2015

Research on behavioral phenotypes in neurogenetic syndromes has primarily focused on aspects of the affected child's behavior. However, the impact of having a child with a neurogenetic syndrome on aspects of family functioning can be significant and differ across syndromes. Parents (N = 381) of school‐aged children with one of four neurogenetic syndromes: fragile X Syndrome (FXS), Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS), Williams Syndrome (WS) and 22q11.2 (22qDEL) were asked about challenges, restrictions, future concerns and positive aspects arising from having an affected child. Factors associated with these aspects were analysed via logistic regression. Restrictions were most often reported by parents of children with FXS. The factors significantly (p < .01) associated with the parent reported restrictions were the presence of a behavioral/psychiatric condition and a lower level of receptive communication. The challenges endorsed most often were the child's learning and social skills difficulties. Significant differences (p < .01) between the syndromes were noted for many of the challenges. Ninety‐six percent of parents endorsed at least one positive aspect but most aspects endorsed did not differ between the genetic syndromes. Having a behavioral/psychiatric condition was the only factor significantly associated (p < .01) with endorsing a lower number of positive aspects and a higher number of challenges. There are some commonalities but also significant differences across syndromes regarding views on how a child's syndrome affects family functioning. These differences may be important with regard to how to counsel and support affected families. The presence of behavioral/psychiatric conditions is an important predictor of negative family outcome across the syndromes.
Chemical Synthesis and Gas Chromatographic Behaviour of γ‐Stearidonic (18:4n‐6) Acid
Authors: Vyssotski Mikhail , Lagutin Kirill , MacKenzie Andrew , Itabashi Yutaka
Published: January 2015

γ‐Stearidonic acid, 18:4n‐6, a potential product of β‐oxidation of arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6), was only recently positively identified in a living organism—a thermophilic cyanobacterium Tolypothrix sp., albeit at low levels, whilst some indirect evidence suggests its wider presence, e.g. in a unicellular marine alga. We have prepared 18:4n‐6 using an iodolactonisation chain‐shortening approach from 22:5n‐6 and obtained its 1H‐, 13C‐, COSY‐ and HSQC NMR spectra, with 18:5n‐3 spectra also recorded for a comparison. The GC and GC‐MS behaviour of its methyl ester was also studied. Like another Δ3 polyunsaturated acid, octadecapentaenoic (18:5n‐3), 18:4n‐6 rapidly yields 2‐trans isomer upon formation of dimethyloxazoline derivative. On a polar ionic liquid phase (SLB‐IL100, 200 °C) the methyl ester could be mistaken for 18:3n‐3, while on methylsilicone phase (BP1, 210 °C) it eluted ahead of 18:3n‐6 and 18:4n‐3, suggesting that when present it may be easily misidentified during GC analysis of fatty acids.
Early ultrasonographic evaluation of idiopathic clubfeet treated with manipulations, casts, and Botox®: A double-blind randomized control trial
Authors: Howren Alyssa M. , Jamieson Douglas H. , Alvarez Christine M.
Published: January 2015

Background

The manipulations, casts, and Botox® method for treating idiopathic clubfoot is an alternative non-surgical treatment method. Botox®-induced reversible muscle paralysis of the gastrocsoleus enables a physician to manipulate and cast the clubfoot in greater dorsiflexion. Ultrasound is incorporated during the early treatment stages to monitor the underlying physiology of the muscle–tendon unit following Botox®.

Methods

Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed parallel to a double-blind randomized control trial administering Botox® or placebo to correct clubfoot. Patients underwent two-dimensional ultrasound to monitor the length changes to the gastrocsoleus and Achilles tendon unit at two time points: pre-injection (baseline) and 6 weeks post-blinded injection. Gastrocsoleus and Achilles tendon length measurements were analyzed among placebo, Botox® and contralateral controls using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

The baseline gastrocsoleus length of the clubfoot (322.4 pixels) before blinded injection appears shorter than controls (337.5 pixels), but fails to reach significance ( p = 0.05). The complex length within each of the three treatment groups displayed no significant change between baseline and 6 weeks. The complex–tendon ratio and muscle–tendon ratio of the Botox® treatment group was significantly decreased compared to controls ( p = 0.049 and 0.042, respectively). Briefly, when expressed as a proportion, an increase in Achilles tendon length and decrease in gastrocsoleus is observed when clubfeet are treated with Botox®.

Conclusions

Only in the Botox® treatment cohort did the muscle shrink to uncover tendon (seen as a decreased complex–tendon ratio and muscle–tendon ratio) over the 6-week interval to effectively increase tendon length with respect to the unit as a whole.
An Appropriate Population for Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation? A Case Series of Three Patients With Advanced Heart Failure on Continuous Inotropic Support
Authors: McCormick Zachary L. , Chu Samuel K. , Goodman Daniel , Oswald Matthew , Reger Christopher , Sliwa James
Published: January 2015

The number of individuals with heart failure and the treatment modalities available to manage heart failure are increasing. Continuous inotropic support is a treatment modality used in cases of severe heart failure. Although most patients initiated on continuous inotropic support are discharged home, those with greater functional compromise, comorbid conditions that cause disability, or other significant medical complexity may be referred to acute inpatient rehabilitation. The feasibility and benefits of acute inpatient rehabilitation in this population, however, has yet to be investigated. We report the functional progress and medical complications of 3 patients on continuous inotropic support who participated in acute inpatient rehabilitation. The patients demonstrated varying levels of success, highlighting a need for evidence‐based, preadmission screening criteria for this population.
Bifidobacterium bifidumR0071 results in a greater proportion of healthy days and a lower percentage of academically stressed students reporting a day of cold/flu: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Langkamp-Henken Bobbi , Rowe Cassie C. , Ford Amanda L. , Christman Mary C. , Nieves Carmelo , Khouri Lauren , Specht Gretchen J. , Girard Stephanie-Anne , Spaiser Samuel J. , Dahl Wendy J.
Published: January 2015

Acute psychological stress is positively associated with a cold/flu. The present randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effect of three potentially probiotic bacteria on the proportion of healthy days over a 6-week period in academically stressed undergraduate students (n581) who receivedLactobacillus helveticusR0052,Bifidobacterium longumssp.infantisR0033,Bifidobacterium bifidumR0071 or placebo. On each day, participants recorded the intensity (scale: 0 = not experiencing to 3 = very intense) for nine cold/flu symptoms, and a sum of symptom intensity >6 was designated as a day of cold/flu.B. bifidumresulted in a greater proportion of healthy days than placebo (P≤ 0·05). The percentage of participants reporting ≥ 1 d of cold/flu during the 6-week intervention period was significantly lower withB. bifidumthan with placebo (P< 0·05). There were no effects ofB. infantisorL. helveticuscompared with placebo on either outcome. A predictive model accounted for influential characteristics and their interactions on daily reporting of cold/flu episodes. The proportion of participants reporting a cold on any given day was lower at weeks 2 and 3 withB. bifidumandB. infantisthan with placebo for the average level of stress and the most commonly reported number of hours of sleep. Daily intake of bifidobacteria provides benefit related to cold/flu outcomes during acute stress.
Speaking of the Dead and the Speaking Dead
Authors: PENNER ERIN KAY
Published: January 2015

Scholars of literary mourning find themselves in an odd position, often taking part in elegy even as they critique it. In her new bookDying Modern: A Meditation on Elegy, Diana Fuss fully embraces both roles. She offers readers the opportunity to see elegy in action – she notes, “The book itself is as performative as it is purposeful, perhaps comprising its own distinctive form of elegy” (3) – even as she raises new questions about the role of an ancient poetic form in an era of mass media that is, of course, written in prose.
Capacity building in public health nutrition
Authors: Geissler Catherine
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present paper is to review capacity building in public health nutrition (PHN), the need for which has been stressed for many years by a range of academics, national and international organisations. Although great strides have been made worldwide in the science of nutrition, there remain many problems of undernutrition and increasingly of obesity and related chronic diseases. The main emphasis in capacity building has been on the nutrition and health workforce, but the causes of these health problems are multifactorial and require collaboration across sectors in their solution. This means that PHN capacity building has to go beyond basic nutrition and beyond the immediate health workforce to policy makers in other sectors. The present paper provides examples of capacity building activities by various organisations, including universities, industry and international agencies. Examples of web-based courses are given including an introduction to the e-Nutrition Academy. The scope is international but with a special focus on Africa. In conclusion, there remains a great need for capacity building in PHN but the advent of the internet has revolutionised the possibilities.
INTELLECTUAL HISTORY AND DIGITAL HUMANITIES
Authors: EDELSTEIN DAN
Published: January 2015

The digital age has been a boon for intellectual historians, particularly those of us who work on early modern Europe and America. The mass digitization of old books has made research more efficient than ever: first editions are there for the downloading on Google Books, Gallica, Liberty Fund, Project Gutenberg, and elsewhere. The creation of such large-scale databases as Early English Books Online (EEBO), Eighteenth-Century Collection Online (ECCO), the Making of the Modern World (formerly Goldsmiths’–Kress), or, on a more modest level, the ARTFL project's FRANTEXT, has also breathed new life into old texts. Books that lay forgotten for generations can now be rediscovered thanks to the magic of search engines. To be sure, this power has not always been wielded for good: students today can “cite anything, but construe nothing,” stringing together KWICs (keywords in context), and reading only a surrounding sentence or two (if that). But however they are used, these tools and platforms have transformed our daily work habits.
The institutional structure of production revisited
Authors: ROSSI ENRICO
Published: January 2015

This paper revisits Coase's original description of the Institutional Structure of Production, and disentangles its two constitutive elements: (i) the costs of organizing an activity internally and (ii) the costs deriving from the transaction of the activity on the market. In doing so, I show transaction costs (TC) to be always necessary and sufficient to explain institutions, but only in the Slutsky–Hicks and Samuelson ordinal framework where expenditure functions replace utility functions and actors merely transact services and never control, nor own goods. Yet, if actors can purchase (and therefore control) resources, utility in use cannot be univocally deduced from purchasing behaviours; here ordinal exchange theory must be replaced by Austrian subjective cardinal value theory, where value in use and value in exchange do not coincide. To explain the allocation of activities among firms in this case, actors’ subjective opportunity costs are thus always necessary (and possibly sufficient), while TC are never sufficient. This distinction has fundamental implications for at least two main developments of Coase's original insights: the relationship among competition, socialist planning and the nature of the firm, and the reinterpretation of the Austrian concept of asset specificity in contemporary institutional and organizational economics (OE).