bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A periodontal disease care program for patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nishihara Utako , Tanabe Nozomi , Nakamura Takehiro , Okada Yuko , Nishida Tetsuya , Akihara Shiho
Published: April 2017

Background

Diabetes and periodontitis are interrelated, and patient education and guidance are important. Therefore, we conducted a periodontitis care program for patients with type 2 diabetes to provide education about diabetes and periodontitis and to promote self‐care skills, and we evaluated the effectiveness of this program.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty‐eight and 39 adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were allocated to the intervention and control groups, respectively. The program comprised content that promoted optimal behavior for the improvement of diabetes and periodontitis. Periodontitis status, diabetes status, tumor necrosis factor‐α levels, self‐efficacy in relation to periodontitis, and teeth‐brushing behaviors were evaluated before and after the intervention program.

Results

After the intervention program, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in bleeding on probing, which was used to evaluate periodontitis status (F=7.919; P<.01), and in clinic visit (F=11.765; P<.01), brushing teeth (F=21.606; P<.01), and meal (F=10.884; P<.01) scores on the Self‐Efficacy Scale for Self‐care among Periodontal Disease Patients; patients in the intervention group also exhibited improvements in dental health‐related behaviors (F=7.141; P<.01).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the intervention program was effective at improving periodontitis, self‐efficacy in relation to periodontitis, and dental health‐related behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Cops and Robbers on Planar‐Directed Graphs
Authors: Loh Po‐Shen , Oh Siyoung
Published: April 2017

Aigner and Fromme initiated the systematic study of the cop number of a graph by proving the elegant and sharp result that in every connected planar graph, three cops are sufficient to win a natural pursuit game against a single robber. This game, introduced by Nowakowski and Winkler, is commonly known as Cops and Robbers in the combinatorial literature. We extend this study to directed planar graphs, and establish separation from the undirected setting. We exhibit a geometric construction that shows that a sophisticated robber strategy can indefinitely evade three cops on a particular strongly connected planar‐directed graph.
Asymmetric 2‐colorings of graphs
Authors: Flapan Erica , Rundell Sarah , Wyse Madeline
Published: April 2017

We show that the edges of every 3‐connected planar graph except K4 can be colored with two colors in such a way that the graph has no color‐preserving automorphisms. Also, we characterize all graphs that have the property that their edges can be 2‐colored so that no matter how the graph is embedded in any orientable surface, there is no homeomorphism of the surface that induces a nontrivial color‐preserving automorphism of the graph.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel Derivatives of Semicarbazide and 1,2,4‐triazole
Authors: Pachuta‐Stec Anna , Biernasiuk Anna , Malm Anna , Pitucha Monika
Published: April 2017

Reaction of phenoxyacetic acid hydrazide with isocyanate was used to the synthesis of new semicarbazide derivatives. Cyclization of these compounds in a 2% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide led to formation of 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐one. The chemical structure of synthesized compounds was confirmed by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods (1H and 13C NMR). On the basis of the NMR, spectra were found that cyclic compounds 1,2,4‐triazole exist in the ‐one form. Moreover, all derivatives were examined for their in vitro activity against some species of bacteria. New compounds presented mild or moderate antimicrobial activity only against reference Gram‐positive bacteria. Two derivatives (one semicarbazide and one triazole) showed bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity.
New and Practical Synthesis of Momelotinib
Authors: Zhu Chunping , Xue Xue , Han Guanyu , Mao Yongjun , Xu Jingli
Published: April 2017

New and practical synthetic route of momelotinib, a JAK inhibitor, is described on a decagram scale. A convergent synthetic process is adopted to prepare the methyl 4‐(2‐((4‐morpholinophenyl)amino)pyrimidin‐4‐yl) benzoate intermediate, by cyclization of 1‐(4‐morpholinophenyl)guanidine and methyl 4‐(3‐(dimethylamino)acryloyl)benzoate in high yield and mild conditions. Momelotinib is obtained in 43.2% yield over five steps and 99.1% purity (HPLC).
Cyclic‐RGD penta‐peptides cRGDyK derivatized with cyclopentadienyl complexes of technetium and rhenium as radiopharmaceutical probes
Authors: Nadeem Qaisar , Shen Yunjun , Warsi Muhammad Farooq , Nasar Gulfam , Qadir Muhammad Abdul , Alberto Roger
Published: April 2017

The present study reports the syntheses of half‐sandwich complexes of the type [M(η5‐C5H4CONH‐R)(CO)3] (M═Re,99mTc;R═cyclic RGD peptide (cRGDyK) for potential imaging of αvβ3 integrin expression. The 99mTc complex was prepared directly from the reaction of [99mTc(OH2)3(CO)3]+ with cRGDyK, doubly conjugated to Thiele's acid [(C5H5COOH)2] in water. This approach extends the viability of metal‐mediated retro Diels‐Alder reactions for the preparation of small molecules such as linear tripeptides to a more complex cyclic peptide carrying a [(η5‐C5H4)99mTc(CO)3] tag. The Diels‐Alder product [(C5H5CONH‐cRGDyK)2] was prepared from Thiele's acid via double peptide coupling. The Re‐complex [Re(η5‐C5H4CONH‐cRGDyK)(CO)3] was obtained by attaching [Re(η5‐C5H4COOH)(CO)3] directly to the N‐terminus of cRGDyK. The identity of the 99mTc‐complex is confirmed by chromatographic comparison with the corresponding rhenium complex, fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques.
Meta‐analysis combining parallel and cross‐over trials with random effects
Authors: Curtin François
Published: April 2017

Meta‐analysis can necessitate the combination of parallel and cross‐over trial designs. Because of the differences in the trial designs and potential biases notably associated with the crossover trials, one often combines trials of the same designs only, which decreases the power of the meta‐analysis. To combine results of clinical trials from parallel and cross‐over designs, we extend the method proposed in an accompanying study to account for random effects. We propose here a hierarchical mixed model allowing the combination of the 2 types of trial designs and accounting for additional covariates where random effects can be introduced to account for heterogeneity in trial, treatment effect, and interactions. We introduce a multilevel model and a Bayesian hierarchical model for combined trial design meta‐analysis. The analysis of the models by restricted iterative generalised least square and Monte Carlo Markov Chain is presented. Methods are compared in a combined design meta‐analysis model on salt reduction. Both models and their respective advantages in the perspective of meta‐analysis are discussed. However, the access to the trial data, in particular sequence and period data in cross‐over trials, remains a major limitation to the meta‐analytic combination of trial designs.
Using the realist perspective to link theory from qualitative evidence synthesis to quantitative studies: Broadening the matrix approach
Authors: van Grootel Leonie , van Wesel Floryt , O'Mara‐Eves Alison , Thomas James , Hox Joop , Boeije Hennie
Published: April 2017

Background

This study describes an approach for the use of a specific type of qualitative evidence synthesis in the matrix approach, a mixed studies reviewing method. The matrix approach compares quantitative and qualitative data on the review level by juxtaposing concrete recommendations from the qualitative evidence synthesis against interventions in primary quantitative studies. However, types of qualitative evidence syntheses that are associated with theory building generate theoretical models instead of recommendations. Therefore, the output from these types of qualitative evidence syntheses cannot directly be used for the matrix approach but requires transformation. This approach allows for the transformation of these types of output.

Method

The approach enables the inference of moderation effects instead of direct effects from the theoretical model developed in a qualitative evidence synthesis. Recommendations for practice are formulated on the basis of interactional relations inferred from the qualitative evidence synthesis. In doing so, we apply the realist perspective to model variables from the qualitative evidence synthesis according to the context‐mechanism‐outcome configuration.

Findings

A worked example shows that it is possible to identify recommendations from a theory‐building qualitative evidence synthesis using the realist perspective. We created subsets of the interventions from primary quantitative studies based on whether they matched the recommendations or not and compared the weighted mean effect sizes of the subsets. The comparison shows a slight difference in effect sizes between the groups of studies. The study concludes that the approach enhances the applicability of the matrix approach.
The influence of Glu‐1 and Glu‐3 loci on dough rheology and bread‐making properties in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) doubled haploid lines
Authors: Langner Monika , Krystkowiak Karolina , Salmanowicz Bolesław P , Adamski Tadeusz , Krajewski Paweł , Kaczmarek Zygmunt , Surma Maria
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The major determinants of wheat quality are Glu‐1 and Glu‐3 glutenin loci and environmental factors. Additive effects of alleles at the Glu‐1 and Glu‐3 loci, as well as their interactions, were evaluated for dough rheology and baking properties in four groups of wheat doubled haploid lines differing in high‐ and low‐molecular‐weight glutenin composition.

RESULTS

Flour quality, Reomixer (Reologica Instruments, Lund, Sweden), dough extension, Farinograph (Brabender GmbH, Duisburg, Germany) and baking parameters were determined. Groups of lines with the alleles Glu‐A3b and Glu‐B3d were characterized by higher values of dough and baking parameters compared to those with the Glu‐A3e and Glu‐B3a alleles. Effects of interactions between allelic variants at the Glu‐1 and Glu‐3 loci on Reomixer parameters, dough extension tests and baking parameters were significant, although additive effects of individual alleles were not always significant.

CONCLUSION

The allelic variants at Glu‐B3 had a much greater effect on dough rheological parameters than the variants at Glu‐A3 or Glu‐D3 loci. The effect of allelic variations at the Glu‐D3 loci on rheological parameters and bread‐making quality was non‐significant, whereas their interactions with a majority of alleles at the other Glu‐1 × Glu‐3 loci were significant. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Classification of Previously Indeterminate Renal Lesions
Authors: Zarzour Jessica G. , Lockhart Mark E. , West Janelle , Turner Eric , Jackson Bradford E. , Thomas John V. , Robbin Michelle L.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To determine the utility of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (US) for characterizing renal lesions that were indeterminate on prior imaging.

Methods

This Institutional Review Board–approved retrospective diagnostic accuracy study evaluated all patients who underwent renal contrast‐enhanced US examinations from 2006 to 2015 at our tertiary care hospital. We compared the number of lesions definitively characterized by contrast‐enhanced US with the indeterminate lesions by prior imaging. The accuracy of contrast‐enhanced US was compared with the final diagnosis by histologic examination and follow‐up (mean, 3.63 years). Accuracy and agreement estimates were compared with the exact binomial distribution to assess statistical significance.

Results

A total of 134 lesions were evaluated with contrast‐enhanced US, and 106 were indeterminate by preceding computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or US. Only the largest lesion per patient was included in analysis. A total of 95.7% (90 of 94) of the previously indeterminate lesions were successfully classified with contrast‐enhanced US. The sensitivity was 100% (20 of 20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 83%–100%; P < .0001); specificity was 85.7% (18 of 21; 95% CI, 62%–97%; P = .0026); positive predictive value was 87.0% (20 of 23; 95% CI, 66%–97%; P = .0005); negative predictive value was 100% (18 of 18; 95% CI, 81%–100%; P < .001); and accuracy was 90.2% (37 of 41; 95% CI, 80%–98%; P < .0001).

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced US has a high likelihood of definitively classifying a renal lesion that is indeterminate by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or conventional US.
Common Carotid Artery Sonography Versus Transthoracic Echocardiography for Cardiac Output Measurements in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Peng Qian‐Yi , Zhang Li‐Na , Ai Mei‐Lin , Li Li , Hu Cheng‐Huan , Zhang Yan‐Xin , Liu Wei , Feng Qing , Zou Yu , Ai Yu‐Hang ,   Chinese Critical Ultrasound Study Group
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study was designed to test the effectiveness of common carotid artery sonography in comparison with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for cardiac output measurements to provide an easier alternative for cardiac output monitoring in the intensive care unit.

Methods

This study included 148 patients who had common carotid artery Doppler examinations and TTE performed within 8 hours of each other, and the cardiac output measurement results were compared with each other.

Results

The mean age of the participants ± SD was 56.8 ± 16.2 years, with male patients composing 54.7% of the cohort. There was no significant difference in carotid and TTE cardiac output between different sexes, age groups, patients with and without mechanical ventilation, and primary indication groups. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient between the carotid and TTE cardiac output was 0.537. In patients with septic shock, multiple trauma, and respiratory failure, the intraclass correlation coefficients between TTE and carotid cardiac output were 0.241, 0.061, and 0.095, respectively.

Conclusions

Carotid cardiac output shows moderate agreement with TTE cardiac output; thus, its use may be considered as an alternative for estimating cardiac output in emergencies and when TTE cardiac output is unobtainable. However, in patients with septic shock, multiple trauma, and respiratory failure, the use of carotid cardiac output is not recommended.
Gender differences in providing peer review to two behavioural science journals, 2006–2015
Authors: Schmaling Karen B. , Blume Arthur W.
Published: April 2017

Peer review is essential to the advancement of scholarly work, but increasing numbers of submitted manuscripts and scholarly journals have led to concerns about obtaining sufficient peer reviews. Given this situation, knowing more about the characteristics of who provides peer review and peer reviewer behaviour could be helpful to editors and journals. This study focused on peer reviewer gender and examined differences in review behaviour by gender among 2,178 peer reviewers for two behavioural science journals over a period of 9 years. Analyses revealed that women were significantly more likely to accept review invitations and took more time to complete reviews than men. We found no gender differences for the total number of invitations to review or for days to respond to invitations. We discuss the implications of these results in terms of concerns about obtaining peer review and for future research on peer review.
Light availability rather than Fe controls the magnitude of massive phytoplankton bloom in the Amundsen Sea polynyas, Antarctica
Authors: Park Jisoo , Kuzminov Fedor I. , Bailleul Benjamin , Yang Eun Jin , Lee SangHoon , Falkowski Paul G. , Gorbunov Maxim Y.
Published: April 2017

Amundsen Sea polynyas are among the most productive, yet climate‐sensitive ecosystems in the Southern Ocean and host massive annual phytoplankton blooms. These blooms are believed to be controlled by iron fluxes from melting ice and icebergs and by intrusion of nutrient‐rich Circumpolar Deep Water, however the interplay between iron effects and other controls, such as light availability, has not yet been quantified. Here, we examine phytoplankton photophysiology in relation to Fe stress and physical forcing in two largest polynyas, Amundsen Sea Polynya (ASP) and Pine Island Polynya (PIP), using the combination of high‐resolution variable fluorescence measurements, fluorescence lifetime analysis, photosynthetic rates, and Fe‐enrichment incubations. These analyses revealed strong Fe stress in the ASP, whereas the PIP showed virtually no signatures of Fe limitation. In spite of enhanced iron availability in the PIP, chlorophyll biomass remained ∼ 30–50% lower than in the Fe‐stressed ASP. This apparent paradox would not have been observed if iron were the main control of phytoplankton bloom in the Amundsen Sea. Long‐term satellite‐based climatology records revealed that the ASP is exposed to significantly higher solar irradiance levels throughout the summer season, as compared to the PIP region, suggesting that light availability controls the magnitude of phytoplankton blooms in the Amundsen Sea. Our data suggests that higher Fe availability (e.g., due to higher melting rates of ice sheets) would not necessarily increase primary productivity in this region. Furthermore, stronger wind‐driven vertical mixing in expanding ice‐free areas may lead to reduction in light availability and productivity in the future.
Historical patterns of acidification and increasing CO2 flux associated with Florida springs
Authors: Barrera Kira E. , Robbins Lisa L.
Published: April 2017

Florida has one of the highest concentrations of springs in the world, with many discharging into rivers and predominantly into eastern Gulf of Mexico coast, and they likely influence the hydrochemistry of these adjacent waters; however, temporal and spatial trends have not been well studied. We present over 20 yr of hydrochemical, seasonally sampled data to identify temporal and spatial trends of pH, alkalinity, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and CO2 flux from five first‐order‐magnitude (springs that discharge greater than 2.83 m3 s−1) coastal spring groups fed by the Floridan Aquifer System that ultimately discharge into the Gulf of Mexico. All spring groups had pCO2 levels (averages 3174.3–6773.2 μatm) that were much higher than atmospheric levels of CO2 and demonstrated statistically significant temporal decreases in pH and increases in CO2 flux, pCO2, and alkalinity. Total carbon flux emissions increased from each of the spring groups by between 3.48 × 107 and 2.856 × 108 kg C yr−1 over the time period. By 2013 the Springs Groups in total emitted more than 1.1739 × 109 kg C yr−1. Increases in alkalinity and pCO2 varied from 90.9 to 347.6 μmol kg−1 and 1262.3 to 2666.7 μatm, respectively. Coastal data show higher CO2 evasion than the open Gulf of Mexico, which suggests spring water influences nearshore waters. The results of this study have important implications for spring water quality, dissolution of the Florida carbonate platform, and identification of the effect and partitioning of carbon fluxes to and within coastal and marine ecosystems.
Factors that affect outcomes of prolapse repair using single‐incision vaginal mesh procedures
Authors: Hsieh Hsiao‐Yun , Tsai Ching‐Pei , Liu Chih‐Ku , Shen Pao‐Sheng , Hung Yao‐Ching , Hung Man‐Jung
Published: April 2017

Aims

Single‐incision vaginal mesh (SIVM) procedures for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) differed in mesh fabrication and implantation that may affect treatment outcomes. We aim to evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of two SIVM procedures, and explore factors that may have associations with surgical effectiveness.

Methods

Our data of using two SIVM procedures for a total (anterior and posterior) vaginal mesh repair were studied. Patients who had ≧stage 2 POP and underwent either Elevate (n = 85) using anchored, lightweight meshes or Prosima procedures (n = 95) using non‐anchored, original meshes were assessed. A detailed comparison of 1 year outcomes was made.

Results

Of the 180 patients, 172 (95.6%) attended the 1‐year follow‐up. Demographic data were similar between groups except a higher average age (64.5 vs 60.4, P = 0.001) was noted in the Elevate (n = 84) group compared to the Prosima (n = 88) group. Surgical results were also similar except a significantly higher objective cure (POP stage ≦1) rate (89.3% vs 78.4%, P = 0.042) was noted in the Elevate group. The safety profile favored Elevate with a lower, but not statistically significant, rate (4.7% vs 12.5%, P = 0.106) of vaginal mesh exposure. After a statistical analysis, we found anatomic recurrence (POP stage ≧2) after the SIVM procedures had strong (P < 0.05) associations with “early surgical cases,” “Prosima procedure,” “advanced cystocele (Ba > +3 cm),” and “prior prolapse repair,” respectively.

Conclusions

Beyond a learning curve, Elevate performed better than Prosima in POP repair regarding surgical effectiveness. Meanwhile, several predisposing factors that may affect recurrence after SIVM procedures were found.
Evaluation of Cholesterol as a Biomarker for Suicidality in a Veteran Sample
Authors: Reuter Chuck , Caldwell Barbara , Basehore Heather
Published: April 2017

A reduction in total cholesterol may alter the microviscosity of the brain‐cell‐membrane, reducing serotonin receptor exposure. The resulting imbalance between serotonin and dopamine may lead to an increased risk for suicidality. The objective of this research was to evaluate total cholesterol as a biological marker for suicidality in a sample of US military veterans. The study population consisted of veterans who received care at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and were included in the Suicide Prevention Coordinator's database for having suicidal ideation with evidence of escalating intent, a documented suicide attempt, or committed suicide between 2009 and 2015. The veterans’ medical data were obtained from the facility's computerized patient record system. The final sample was 188 observations from 128 unique veterans. Veterans with total cholesterol levels below 168 mg/dl appeared to have a higher suicide risk than those with higher levels. The cholesterol levels of veterans reporting suicidal ideation or attempt were significantly lower than the group reporting neither [F(2, 185) = 30.19, p < .001]. When data from multiple visits were available, veterans reporting suicidal ideation or attempt had experienced a significant (20%) decrease in cholesterol levels from an earlier visit in which they did not report suicidality. A latent class analysis revealed that among other differences, suicidal veterans were younger, leaner, and had more anxiety, sleep problems, and higher education than those being seen for an issue unrelated to suicidality. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feasibility of Audio‐Computer‐Assisted Self‐Interviewing With Color‐Coding and Helper Assistance (ACASI‐H) for Hmong Older Adults
Authors: Lor Maichou , Bowers Barbara J.
Published: April 2017

Many older adult immigrants in the US, including Hmong older adults, have limited English proficiency (LEP), and cannot read or have difficulty reading even in their first language (non‐literate [NL]). Little has been done to identify feasible data collection approaches to enable inclusion of LEP or NL populations in research, limiting knowledge about their health. This study's purpose was to test the feasibility of culturally and linguistically adapted audio computer‐assisted self‐interviewing (ACASI) with color‐labeled response categories and helper assistance (ACASI‐H) for collection of health data with Hmong older adults. Thirty dyads (older adult and a helper) completed an ACASI‐H survey with 13 health questions and a face‐to‐face debriefing interview. ACASI‐H survey completion was video‐recorded and reviewed with participants. Video review and debriefing interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Directed and conventional content analyses were used to analyze the interviews. All respondents reported that ACASI‐H survey questions were consistent with their health experience. They lacked computer experience and found ACASI‐H's interface user‐friendly. All used the pre‐recorded Hmong oral translation except for one, whose helper provided translation. Some Hmong older adults struggled with the color labeling at first, but helpers guided them to use the colors correctly. All dyads liked the color‐labeled response categories and confirmed that a helper was necessary during the survey process. Findings support use of oral survey question administration with a technologically competent helper and color‐labeled response categories when engaging LEP older adults in health‐related data collection. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Timing for the Introduction of Cycled Light for Extremely Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brandon Debra H. , Silva Susan G. , Park Jinhee , Malcolm William , Kamhawy Heba , Holditch‐Davis Diane
Published: April 2017

Day‐night cycled light improves health outcomes in preterm infants, yet the best time to institute cycled light is unclear. The hypothesis of this study was that extremely preterm infants receiving early cycled light would have better health and developmental outcomes than infants receiving late cycled light. Infants born at ≤28 weeks gestation were randomly assigned to early cycled light (ECL) starting at 28 weeks postmenstrual age [PMA] or late cycled light (LCL), starting at 36 weeks PMA. Daylight was 200–600 lux and night was 5–30 lux. Primary outcomes were weight over time and length of hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were hospital costs, sleep development, and neurodevelopment at 9, 18, and 24 months corrected age. Of 121 infants randomized, 118 were included in analysis. Weight gain in the two groups did not differ significantly but increased across time in both groups. In PMA weeks 36–44, the mean weight gain was 193.8 grams in the ECL group compared to 176.3 grams in the LCL group. Effect sizes for weight were Cohen d = 0.26 and 0.36 for 36 and 44 weeks PMA. Infants in the ECL group went home an average of 5.5 days earlier than the LCL group, but this difference was not statistically significant. There were no group differences on neurodevelopmental outcomes. Although statistically non‐significant, clinically important differences of improved weight gain and decreased hospital stay were observed with ECL. The small observed effect sizes on weight during hospitalization should be considered in future cycled light research with extremely preterm infants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Omentin treatment of epicardial fat improves its anti‐inflammatory activity and paracrine benefit on smooth muscle cells
Authors: Fernández‐Trasancos Ángel , Agra Rosa María , García‐Acuña Jose María , Fernández Ángel Luis , González‐Juanatey José Ramón , Eiras Sonia
Published: April 2017

Objective

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in coronary artery disease is insulin resistant and has a proinflammatory profile. This study examined the regulation of EAT by exogenous omentin and its consequence on vascular cells.

Methods

Stromal vascular cells (SC) of EAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from patients who underwent heart surgery were cultured and exposed to adipogenic factors with or without omentin. Proinflammatory cytokine regulation by omentin was analyzed in SC and mature adipocytes. Glucose uptake by EAT and SAT explants was determined after insulin, omentin, or combined treatment. Human vascular cells were exposed to secretomes of SC, with and without omentin treatment. Migration of smooth muscle cells and expression of adhesion molecules were determined by wound healing or real‐time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

Results

Omentin treatment raised adipogenesis‐induced adiponectin levels on SC of EAT and reduced TNF‐α expression levels (0.58 ± 0.14‐fold change; P = 0.034) in mature adipocytes. Omentin improved the insulin activity of EAT and SAT explants from cardiovascular disease patients. Finally, secretomes of SC under omentin treatment reduced the migration of smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions

Exogenous omentin might support a cardioprotective role through its effect on EAT regarding glucose uptake, anti‐inflammatory response, and its paracrine role on smooth muscle cells.
Delamination of sodium montmorillonite in PA6 in the presence of melamine polyphosphate
Authors: Szustakiewicz Konrad , Czycz Dominika , Steller Ryszard , Pigłowski Jacek
Published: April 2017

This study describes the influence of melamine polyphosphate (MPP) flame retardant addition on layered structure of virgin sodium montmorillonite (MMT) in PA6/MMT system obtained in extrusion process. It was found that the extrusion of the PA6/MMT binary system in co‐rotating twin screw extruder gives intercalated clay nanocomposites, while during extrusion of ternary PA6/MMT/MPP composite, full exfoliation of clay was obtained in the system. Structure of the composites was proved utilizing wide angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Exfoliation of MMT in ternary PA6/MMT/MPP system was also confirmed by rheological studies (viscosity and creep measurements) which were carried out using rotational rheometer. Young's modulus of PA6/MMT/MPP was found to be ~25% greater comparing to PA6/MPP of the same filling level. Cone calorimetry experiments proved decrease of heat release rate peak of PA6/MMT/MPP by ~55% comparing to PA6/MPP with the same total filling level. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical modification of soybean flour‐based adhesives using acetylated cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Eslah Farnaz , Jonoobi Mehdi , Faezipour Mehdi , Ashori Alireza
Published: April 2017

In this study, two types of new bioadhesives formulated from abundant and renewable soybean flour (SF), acetylated soybean flour based adhesive (ASF), and soybean flour‐based adhesive, were modified with acetylated cellulose nanocrystal (ACNC). The apparent viscosity and morphology of the adhesive formulations were characterized. The chemical composition of the formulations was evaluated by FT‐IR spectroscopy and the effect of polyethilenimine (PEI) on the formulations was investigated using the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra. Moreover, water resistance of produced plywood composites bonded with the bioadhesives was measured. The results of FT‐IR and 1H NMR confirmed that chemical modifications of the SF occurred. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed less holes and cracks on the cross section of the ASF/PEI/NaOH and SF/PEI/NaOH/ACNC formulations. The results showed that the plywood specimens bonded with formulations of the ASF/PEI/NaOH (with a dry weight ratio of ASF/PEI: 5/1 and 6/1), and SF/PEI/NaOH/ACNC had good resistance to water. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3618–3625, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of the structure of titanium–magnesium catalysts on the morphology of polyethylene produced
Authors: Mikenas Tatiana B. , Koshevoy Evgeny I. , Zakharov Vladimir A.
Published: April 2017

The structure and formation of polyethylene (PE) particles on supported titanium–magnesium catalysts having different structural characteristics (sizes of microcrystallites, mesopores, and subparticles) were studied for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify structural elements of the polymer particles formed over such catalysts and to reveal morphological changes in the growing polymer particles when the yield was increased from approximately 0.2 g PE/g catalyst to approximately 13 kg PE/g catalyst. A relationship was found between structural characteristics of the porous catalyst particles, morphology of the nascent polymer particles, and bulk density of the polymer powder. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2298–2308
Patient and caregiver perspectives on decision support for symptom and quality of life management during cancer treatment: Implications for eHealth
Authors: Cooley Mary E. , Nayak Manan M. , Abrahm Janet L. , Braun Ilana M. , Rabin Michael S. , Brzozowski Jane , Lathan Christopher , Berry Donna L.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Adequate symptom and quality‐of‐life (SQL) management is a priority during cancer treatment. eHealth is a timely way to enhance patient‐engagement, facilitate communication, and improve health outcomes. The objectives of this study were to describe patient and caregivers' perspectives for providing, processing, and managing SQL data to enhance communication and identify desired components for decision support.

Methods

Data were collected from 64 participants through questionnaires and focus groups. Analysis was conducted using NVivo. Open and axial coding was completed, grouping commonalities and large constructs into nodes to identify and synthesize themes.

Results

Face‐to‐face meetings with clinicians were the prime time to communicate, and patients strove to understand treatment options and the effect on SQL by bringing caregivers to their visits, taking notes, tracking symptoms, and creating portable health records. Patients/caregivers struggled to self‐manage their symptoms and were uncertain when to contact clinicians when experiencing uncontrolled symptoms. Most participants identified eHealth solutions for decision support. However, 38% of participants (n = 24) rarely used computers and identified non‐eHealth options for decision support. Core components for both eHealth and non‐eHealth systems were access to (1) cancer information, (2) medical records, (3) peer support, and (4) improved support and understanding on when to contact clinicians.

Conclusions

Patients were faced with an overwhelming amount of information and relied on their caregivers to help navigate the complexities of cancer care and self‐manage SQL. Health technologies can provide informational support; however, decision support needs to span multiple venues to avoid increasing disparities caused by a digital divide.
Psychosocial outcomes in active treatment through survivorship
Authors: Reed Sarah C. , Bell Janice F. , Whitney Robin , Lash Rebecca , Kim Katherine K. , Bold Richard J. , Joseph Jill G.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The objective of the study is to understand potential differences in psychosocial outcomes from active treatment to survivorship.

Methods

Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Experiences with Cancer Survivorship Supplement (n = 1360), we examined and compared psychosocial outcomes among respondents in active treatment with survivors by year(s) since treatment ended. Survey‐weighted regression models were used to test associations between year(s) since treatment and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐2), psychological distress (K6), and cancer‐specific worry related to recurrence.

Results

Unadjusted estimates showed no significant differences in depressive symptoms or psychological distress between those in active treatment and cancer survivors at any time posttreatment. In contrast, the prevalence of cancer‐specific worry was lowest among survivors more than 5 years since treatment (10%), slightly higher among those with less than 1 year since treatment (15%), and highest among those in active treatment (32%). In models controlled for sociodemographic and health‐related covariates, the year(s) since treatment ended was inversely associated with the odds of cancer‐specific worry but was not associated with depressive symptoms or psychological distress.

Conclusions

In this population‐based sample, worry about cancer recurrence may diminish with years since treatment ended, while depressive symptoms and distress are persistent across the trajectory. These findings highlight unmet psychosocial needs among cancer survivors and demonstrate the importance of targeted interventions across the survivorship continuum.
Immobilization methods for the rapid total chemical synthesis of proteins on microtiter plates
Authors: Zitterbart Robert , Krumrey Michael , Seitz Oliver
Published: April 2017

The chemical synthesis of proteins typically involves the solid‐phase peptide synthesis of unprotected peptide fragments that are stitched together in solution by native chemical ligation (NCL). The process is slow, and throughput is limited because of the need for repeated high performance liquid chromatography purification steps after both solid‐phase peptide synthesis and NCL. With an aim to provide faster access to functional proteins and to accelerate the functional analysis of synthetic proteins by parallelization, we developed a method for the high performance liquid chromatography‐free synthesis of proteins on the surface of microtiter plates. The method relies on solid‐phase synthesis of unprotected peptide fragments, immobilization of the C‐terminal fragment and on‐surface NCL with an unprotected peptide thioester in crude form. Herein, we describe the development of a suitable immobilization chemistry. We compared (i) formation of nickel(II)‐oligohistidine complexes, (ii) Cu‐based [2 + 3] alkine–azide cycloaddition and (iii) hydrazone ligation. The comparative study identified the hydrazone ligation as most suitable. The sequence of immobilization via hydrazone ligation, on‐surface NCL and radical desulfurization furnished the targeted SH3 domains in near quantitative yield. The synthetic proteins were functional as demonstrated by an on‐surface fluorescence‐based saturation binding analysis. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐synthesis of murine prion protein by native chemical ligation and chemical activation for preparation of polypeptide‐α‐thioester
Authors: Shi Lei , Chen Huai , Zhang Si‐Yu , Chu Ting‐Ting , Zhao Yu‐Fen , Chen Yong‐Xiang , Li Yan‐Mei
Published: April 2017

Prions are suspected as pathogen of the fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Strategies to access homogenous prion protein (PrP) are required to fully comprehend the molecular mechanism of prion diseases. However, the polypeptide fragments from PrP show a high tendency to form aggregates, which is a gigantic obstacle of protein synthesis and purification. In this study, murine prion sequence 90 to 230 that is the core three‐dimensional structure domain was constructed from three segments murine PrP (mPrP)(90–177), mPrP(178–212), and mPrP(213–230) by combining protein expression, chemical synthesis and chemical ligation. The protein sequence 90 to 177 was obtained from expression and finally converted into the polypeptide hydrazide by chemical activation of a cysteine in the tail. The other two polypeptide fragments of the C‐terminal were obtained by chemical synthesis, which utilized the strategies of isopeptide and pseudoproline building blocks to complete the synthesis of such difficult sequences. The three segments were finally assembled by sequentially using native chemical ligation. This strategy will allow more straightforward access to homogeneously modified PrP variants. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of passive sampler collection for atmospheric NO2 isotopes under simulated environmental conditions
Authors: Coughlin Justin G. , Yu Zhongjie , Elliott Emily M.
Published: April 2017

Rationale

Nitrogen oxides or NOx (NOx = NO + NO2) play an important role in air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and climate. The isotopic compositions of anthropogenic and natural NO2 sources are wide‐ranging, and they can be used to constrain sources of ambient NO2 and associated atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds. While passive sample collection of NO2 isotopes has been used in field studies to determine NOx source influences on atmospheric deposition, this approach has not been evaluated for accuracy or precision under different environmental conditions.

Methods

The efficacy of NO2 passive sampler collection for NO2 isotopes was evaluated under varied temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions in a dynamic flux chamber. The precision and accuracy of the filter NO2 collection as nitrite (NO2–) for isotopic analysis were determined using a reference NO2 gas tank and through inter‐calibration with a modified EPA Method 7. The bacterial denitrifer method was used to convert 20 μM of collected NO2– or nitrate (NO3–) into N2O and was carried out on an Isoprime continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

Results

δ15N‐NO2 values determined from passive NO2 collection, in conditions of 11–34 °C, 1–78% RH, have an overall accuracy and precision of ±2.1 ‰, and individual run precision of ±0.6 ‰. δ18O‐NO2 values obtained from passive NO2 sampler collection, under the same conditions, have an overall precision of ± 1.3 ‰.

Conclusions

Suitable conditions for passive sampler collection of NO2 isotopes are in environments ranging from 11 to 34 °C and 1 to 78% RH. The passive NO2 isotope measurement technique provides an accurate method to determine variations in atmospheric δ15N‐NO2 values and a precise method for determining atmospheric δ18O‐NO2 values. The ability to measure NO2 isotopes over spatial gradients at the same temporal resolution provides a unique perspective on the extent and seasonality of fluctuations in atmospheric NO2 isotopic compositions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Internationalization of Chinese Firms and Negative Media Coverage: The Case of Geely's Acquisition of Volvo Cars
Authors: Fang Tony , Chimenson Dina
Published: April 2017

Chinese firms are internationalizing at an unprecedented speed. One profound phenomenon linked to this active Chinese firms internationalization process is that the process tends to be confronted with negative media coverage of China and Chinese firms in Western countries. How to understand and cope with the negative image of China and Chinese firms, as they are often seen in the Western media, emerges as a relevant and timely research topic in the study of the internationalization of Chinese firms. The purpose of this article is to stimulate ideas for further research on the relations between the internationalization of Chinese firms and the media coverage. We use the case of Geely's acquisition of Volvo Cars, which was to a large extent negatively reported in the Swedish media during 2008–2013, as inspiration to identify the interesting research themes and questions. Given the increasing anti‐globalization trend, we hypothesize that Chinese firms will have to face up to the reality of negative media coverage in many Western countries for the foreseeable future, at least in the firms’ initial establishment phases. We end our paper with the managerial implications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospects of spintronics based on 2D materials
Authors: Feng Yuan Ping , Shen Lei , Yang Ming , Wang Aizhu , Zeng Minggang , Wu Qingyun , Chintalapati Sandhya , Chang Ching‐Ray
Published: April 2017

Spintronics holds the promise for future information technologies. Devices based on manipulation of spin are most likely to replace the current silicon complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor devices that are based on manipulation of charge. The challenge is to identify or design materials that can be used to generate, detect, and manipulate spin. Since the successful isolation of graphene and other two‐dimensional (2D) materials, there has been a strong focus on spintronics based on 2D materials due to their attractive properties, and much progress has been made, both theoretically and experimentally. Here, we summarize recent developments in spintronics based on 2D materials. We focus mainly on materials of truly 2D nature, that is, atomic crystal layers such as graphene, phosphorene, monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, and others, but also highlight current research foci in heterostructures or interfaces. In particular, we emphasize roles played by computation based on first‐principles methods which has contributed significantly in the designs of spintronic materials and devices. We also highlight challenges and suggest possible directions for further studies. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1313. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1313

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
A survey of itemset mining
Authors: Fournier‐Viger Philippe , Lin Jerry Chun‐Wei , Vo Bay , Chi Tin Truong , Zhang Ji , Le Hoai Bac
Published: April 2017

Itemset mining is an important subfield of data mining, which consists of discovering interesting and useful patterns in transaction databases. The traditional task of frequent itemset mining is to discover groups of items (itemsets) that appear frequently together in transactions made by customers. Although itemset mining was designed for market basket analysis, it can be viewed more generally as the task of discovering groups of attribute values frequently cooccurring in databases. Because of its numerous applications in domains such as bioinformatics, text mining, product recommendation, e‐learning, and web click stream analysis, itemset mining has become a popular research area. This study provides an up‐to‐date survey that can serve both as an introduction and as a guide to recent advances and opportunities in the field. The problem of frequent itemset mining and its applications are described. Moreover, main approaches and strategies to solve itemset mining problems are presented, as well as their characteristics are provided. Limitations of traditional frequent itemset mining approaches are also highlighted, and extensions of the task of itemset mining are presented such as high‐utility itemset mining, rare itemset mining, fuzzy itemset mining, and uncertain itemset mining. This study also discusses research opportunities and the relationship to other popular pattern mining problems, such as sequential pattern mining, episode mining, subgraph mining, and association rule mining. Main open‐source libraries of itemset mining implementations are also briefly presented.WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov2017, 7:e1207. doi: 10.1002/widm.1207

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Association Rules

Technologies > Association Rules
Physiological, metabolic and biotechnological features of extremely thermophilic microorganisms
Authors: Counts James A. , Zeldes Benjamin M. , Lee Laura L. , Straub Christopher T. , Adams Michael W.W. , Kelly Robert M.
Published: April 2017

The current upper thermal limit for life as we know it is approximately 120°C. Microorganisms that grow optimally at temperatures of 75°C and above are usually referred to as ‘extreme thermophiles’ and include both bacteria and archaea. For over a century, there has been great scientific curiosity in the basic tenets that support life in thermal biotopes on earth and potentially on other solar bodies. Extreme thermophiles can be aerobes, anaerobes, autotrophs, heterotrophs, or chemolithotrophs, and are found in diverse environments including shallow marine fissures, deep sea hydrothermal vents, terrestrial hot springs—basically, anywhere there is hot water. Initial efforts to study extreme thermophiles faced challenges with their isolation from difficult to access locales, problems with their cultivation in laboratories, and lack of molecular tools. Fortunately, because of their relatively small genomes, many extreme thermophiles were among the first organisms to be sequenced, thereby opening up the application of systems biology‐based methods to probe their unique physiological, metabolic and biotechnological features. The bacterial genera Caldicellulosiruptor, Thermotoga and Thermus, and the archaea belonging to the orders Thermococcales and Sulfolobales, are among the most studied extreme thermophiles to date. The recent emergence of genetic tools for many of these organisms provides the opportunity to move beyond basic discovery and manipulation to biotechnologically relevant applications of metabolic engineering. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1377. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1377

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism