bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network meta-analysis of topical haemostatic agents in thyroid surgery
Authors: Polychronidis G , Hüttner F J , Contin P , Goossen K , Uhlmann L , Heidmann M , Knebel P , Diener M K , Büchler M W , Probst P
Published: September 2018

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential benefit of local haemostatic agents for the prevention of postoperative bleeding after thyroidectomy.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed, and RCTs involving adult patients who underwent thyroid surgery using either active (AHA) or passive (PHA) haemostatic agents were included in the review. The main outcome was the rate of cervical haematoma that required reoperation. A Bayesian random-effects model was used for network meta-analysis with minimally informative prior distributions.

Results

Thirteen RCTs were included. The rate of cervical haematoma requiring reoperation ranged from 0 to 9·1 per cent, and was not reduced by haemostatic agents: AHA versus control (odds ratio (OR) 1·53, 95 per cent credibility interval 0·21 to 10·77); PHA versus control (OR 2·74, 0·41 to 16·62) and AHA versus PHA (OR 1·77, 0·12 to 25·06). No difference was observed in the time required for drain removal, duration of hospital stay, and the rate of postoperative hypocalcaemia or recurrent nerve palsy. AHA led to a significantly lower total postoperative blood loss and reduced operating time in comparison with both the control and PHA groups.

Conclusion

The general use of local haemostatic agents has not been shown to reduce the rate of clinically relevant bleeding.
Backbone Dynamics and Model‐Free Analysis of the RecQ C‐Terminal Domain of Bloom Syndrome Protein
Authors: Yoo Sooji , Lee Sungjin , Park Chin‐Ju
Published: September 2018

Bloom syndrome protein (BLM) is one of RecQ helicases, which are conserved DNA unwinding enzymes in DNA metabolisms. The RecQ C‐terminal domain (RQC) of BLM is a winged‐helix motif, which recognizes various DNA structures. BLM RQC mediates electrostatic interactions with duplex DNA by using polar residues in the β‐wing and α2–α3 loop. In order to understand the dynamic properties of RQC for recognizing its substrate DNA, we measured 15N spin relaxation parameters of the protein and performed model‐free analysis. Our results showed that the β‐wing region, which is used for the strand separation, has flexible backbone structure. The α2–α3 loop, the binding surface of the DNA major groove, was found to be relatively rigid. Our results contribute to a better understanding of molecular basis of BLM RQC–DNA interaction.
Efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in a patient with chronic intractable constipation
Authors: Ohara Tadashi , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical Message

We have presented the first case report of FMT therapy for a patient with chronic intractable constipation. This therapy resulted in good, medium‐term outcomes. Follow‐up analysis of the intestinal flora suggested that transplanted microbes from the donor, particularly Bifidobacterium and Clostridium cluster IX, may have been incorporated into the recipient.
Rheological Characterization of Solids Phase in Biomass Processes of Disc‐Stack Centrifuges
Authors: Häggmark Carl , Königsson Staffan
Published: September 2018

Rheological characterization of the solids phase in bio‐industry disc‐stack centrifuges is considered. Three discriminatory properties of the solids phase are investigated, namely, the particle settling velocity, the angle of repose, and the solids phase viscosity. The solids phase produced in disc‐stack centrifuges in the food or biopharmaceutical industry possesses both liquid‐like and solid‐like properties which can be quantified by means of these test methods. The resulting rheological characterization can be used for diagnostic purposes in the selection process of industrial centrifuges and for optimization of centrifuge solids handling in biomass processing of suspension systems.
Turbulent Shear and Breakup of Flocculated Biomaterial in Centrifuge Inlets
Authors: Törnblom Olle
Published: September 2018

Analyses and simulations of a lab‐scale device for determining floc strength are presented together with simulations of two different hermetic disc‐stack centrifuge inlets. Two methods for determining the turbulent shear stresses on flocs in hermetic centrifuge inlets are described. A model for the average shear rate in a hermetic centrifuge inlet is proposed. A correlation for estimating the floc size of the centrifuge feed after passing the high‐shear zone of the inlet is derived.
Axitinib: A Photoswitchable Approved Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Schmidt Dorian , Rodat Theo , Heintze Linda , Weber Jantje , Horbert Rebecca , Girreser Ulrich , Raeker Tim , Bußmann Lara , Kriegs Malte , Hartke Bernd , Peifer Christian
Published: September 2018

The goal of photopharmacology is to develop photoswitchable enzyme modulators as tunable (pro‐)drugs that can be spatially and temporally controlled by light. In this context, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor axitinib, which contains a photosensitive stilbene‐like moiety that allows for E/Z isomerization, is of interest. Axitinib is an approved drug that targets the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and is licensed for second‐line therapy of renal cell carcinoma. The photoinduced E/Z isomerization of axitinib has been investigated to explore if its inhibitory effect can be turned “on” and “off”, as triggered by light. Under controlled light conditions, (Z)‐axitinib is 43 times less active than that of the E isomer in an VEGFR2 assay. Furthermore, it was proven that kinase activity in human umbilical vein cells (HUVECs) was decreased by (E)‐axitinib, but only weakly affected by (Z)‐axitinib. By irradiating (Z)‐axitinib in vitro with UV light (λ=385 nm), it is possible to switch it almost quantitatively into the E isomer and to completely restore the biological activity of (E)‐axitinib. However, switching the biological activity off from (E)‐ to (Z)‐axitinib was not possible in aqueous solution due to a competing irreversible [2+2]‐photocycloaddition, which yielded a biologically inactive axitinib dimer.
Life satisfaction in young adults with cancer and the role of sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial factors: Results of a longitudinal study
Authors: Leuteritz Katja , Friedrich Michael , Sender Annekathrin , Nowe Erik , Stoebel‐Richter Yve , Geue Kristina
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Being diagnosed with and treated for cancer often has a strong impact on the life satisfaction (LS) of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The current study investigated LS in AYA patients with cancer and determined associated factors.

METHODS

Young patients (those aged 18‐39 years at the time of diagnosis) with all malignant cancer sites and with a diagnosis made within the last 4 years were assessed. LS was measured at 2 measuring time points using the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZ‐M). Differences in the FLZ‐M and the 10 subdomains (friends/acquaintances, leisure activities/hobbies, health, income/financial security, work/profession, housing situation, family life, children/family planning, partnership, and sexuality) between the 2 time points were calculated. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with LS.

RESULTS

A total of 514 patients (386 of whom were women) with a mean age at diagnosis of 29.6 years participated at both measurements. LS increased significantly in 5 domains with a small effect (Hedges g, 0.17) noted over time. The subdomains with the lowest LS were financial and professional situation, family planning, and sexuality. Significant associations with LS were found at baseline for sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial variables (explained variance [R2]baseline = 0.41). At follow‐up, psychosocial factors (positive social support, not having detrimental interactions, and lower perceived adjustment to the disease) remained most important for higher LS controlled for LS at baseline. Neither sociodemographic (except partnership) nor medical factors played a role (R2
follow‐up = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Of all the variables examined, social support was found to be the most decisive factor associated with LS at both time points. With regard to LS, social support and adjustment to illness should be given more consideration in the medical care of AYA patients with cancer.
Quantifying the relationship between optical anatomy and retinal physiological sensitivity: A comparative approach
Authors: Rosencrans Robert F. , Leslie Caitlin E. , Perkins Keith A. , Walkowski Whitney , Gordon William C. , Richards‐Zawacki Corinne L. , Bazan Nicolas G. , Farris Hamilton E.
Published: September 2018

Light intensity varies 1 million‐fold between night and day, driving the evolution of eye morphology and retinal physiology. Despite extensive research across taxa showing anatomical adaptations to light niches, surprisingly few empirical studies have quantified the relationship between such traits and the physiological sensitivity to light. In this study, we employ a comparative approach in frogs to determine the physiological sensitivity of eyes in two nocturnal (Rana pipiens, Hyla cinerea) and two diurnal species (Oophaga pumilio, Mantella viridis), examining whether differences in retinal thresholds can be explained by ocular and cellular anatomy. Scotopic electroretinogram (ERG) analysis of relative b‐wave amplitude reveals 10‐ to 100‐fold greater light sensitivity in nocturnal compared to diurnal frogs. Ocular and cellular optics (aperture, focal length, and rod outer segment dimensions) were assessed via the Land equation to quantify differences in optical sensitivity. Variance in retinal thresholds was overwhelmingly explained by Land equation solutions, which describe the optical sensitivity of single rods. Thus, at the b‐wave, stimulus‐response thresholds may be unaffected by photoreceptor convergence (which create larger, combined collecting areas). Follow‐up experiments were conducted using photopic ERGs, which reflect cone vision. Under these conditions, the relative difference in thresholds was reversed, such that diurnal species were more sensitive than nocturnal species. Thus, photopic data suggest that rod‐specific adaptations, not ocular anatomy (e.g., aperture and focal distance), drive scotopic thresholds differences. To the best of our knowledge, these data provide the first quantified relationship between optical and physiological sensitivity in vertebrates active in different light regimes.
Application specific extension of the MCRI: Memory colors and preferred colors of reddish meat products
Authors: Smet Kevin A. G. , Roelandts Inge , Teunissen Kees , Poort Simone , Hanselaer Peter
Published: September 2018

This article explores the possibility of extending the memory color rendition index (MCRI) for specific applications. The memory colors and preferred colors of three types of meat products (ham sausage, chicken breast and raw hamburger) have been derived in a psychophysical rating experiment. The rating data have been modeled by modified bivariate Gaussian functions from which similarity functions have been derived. These functions, which predict the degree of similarity with respect to the memory color or preferred color of the meat products, have been used to evaluate the color quality of four commercially available meat lighting lamps. It was found that predicted color quality depends on the illuminance level, indicating that illuminance level is a potentially important aspect of color rendition evaluation, one that is not taken into account by most color rendition indices.
Application of Isothermal Nucleic Acid Signal Amplification in the Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma‐Associated MicroRNA
Authors: Mao Dongsheng , Chen Hong , Tang Yingying , Li Jingwen , Cao Ya , Zhao Jing
Published: September 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality, and is the third leading cause of cancer‐related death in human. High‐precision detection of tumor markers, such as microRNA (miRNA), is expected to contribute to the early diagnosis of HCC as well as improve the survival rate of HCC patients. In recent years, great effort has been made to develop different methods to detect HCC‐associated miRNA, in which signal amplification strategies are incorporated to realize high sensitivity. Among them, isothermal nucleic acid signal amplification is an emerging signal amplification technology which has the advantages of high amplification efficiency, good reproducibility, and easy operation for real‐time analysis. Herein, we provide an overview of the advances in the application of isothermal nucleic acid signal amplification in HCC‐associated miRNA detection by highlighting several representative works in recent years.
Characterization of Membrane Proteins Using Cryo‐Electron Microscopy
Authors: Carvalho Vanessa , Pronk Joachim W. , Engel Andreas H.
Published: September 2018

The steep increase of atomic scale structures determined by 3D cryo‐electron microscopy (EM) deposited in the EMDataBank documents progress of a methodology that was frustratingly slow ten years ago. While sample vitrification on grids has been successfully used in all EM laboratories for decades, beam damage remains a road block. Developments in instrumentation and software to exploit the information carried by elastically scattered electrons made the task to achieve atomic scale resolution easier. This together with the development of fast single electron detecting cameras has resulted in unprecedented possibilities for structure determination by 3D cryo‐EM. With such technologies in place, the purification of membrane protein complexes in a functional state is key to collecting atomic scale structural information and insight into the chemistry of physiological processes. Therefore, we focus here on the preparation of membrane proteins for structural analyses by 3D cryo‐EM and the data acquisition of such vitrified samples. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis and Morphology Evolution of Ultrahigh Content Nitrogen‐Doped, Micropore‐Dominated Carbon Materials as High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang De‐Gao , Wang Huan , Lin Yi , Yu Guipeng , Song Min , Zhong Wenbin , Kuang Gui‐Chao
Published: September 2018

Nitrogen‐doped carbon‐based materials including nanocarbons, graphene, and conductive polymers are impressive as supercapacitor electrodes. However, ultrahigh nitrogen contents, micropore dominated, and morphology evolving carbonaceous electrodes have not achieved until now which are crucial for supercapacitor. Herein, we prepare a novel fumaronitrile (FUM) derived covalent triazine framework (FUM‐CTF) and activated it by using KOH at different temperatures to obtain the corresponding carbon materials, which were used as supercapacitor electrode materials. Specially, the FUM‐700 (sample activated at 700 °C) possesses an excellent specific capacitance of 400 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and considerable energy density over 18 Wh kg−1 in KOH (6 m) aqueous electrolyte. In addition, this electrode shows 260 F g−1 at a current density of 20 A g−1 for charge/discharge operation. Furthermore, the FUM‐700 electrode demonstrates extraordinary electrochemical stability with 97 % retention after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1. Ultrahigh nitrogen contents, the microporous structure, and the inner nanoparticle morphology work in concert to contribute to the superior electrochemical performance of FUM‐700. Our work might give some hints to help design other high‐performance nitrogen‐containing supercapacitor electrode materials.
Prospective health associations of drive for muscularity in young adult males
Authors: Eik‐Nes Trine Tetlie , Austin S. Bryn , Blashill Aaron J. , Murray Stuart B. , Calzo Jerel P.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The objective of the study was to estimate prospective associations of drive for muscularity measured in 2013 and related health outcomes (depressive symptoms, overeating, binge eating, purging, binge drinking, and use of muscle‐building products [e.g., creatine and steroids]) measured in 2014.

Method

The data come from a U.S. national large prospective cohort study, the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS) and included 2,460 males aged 18–32 years. Muscularity concerns were assessed with The Drive for Muscularity Scale (item responses ranging from 1 = Never to 6 = Always), which measures the degree of the respondents' preoccupation with increasing their muscularity.

Results

Gay and bisexual males presented with higher drive for muscularity compared to heterosexual males (β = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.43, p < .0001). Prospective analysis using generalized estimating equations indicated that each unit increase in drive for muscularity was associated with increased odds of exhibiting significant depressive symptoms (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.05–1.44, p = .01), binge drinking (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02–1.45, p = .03), dieting (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.35, p = .04), and use of muscle‐building products (OR = 4.49, 95% CI = 3.74, 5.40, p < .0001).

Discussion

The drive for muscularity appears to be relatively prevalent across adolescence and early adulthood in males and is associated with broad and substantial health consequences. Muscularity‐oriented concerns should be carefully considered when assessing and treating males with body image dissatisfaction.
Negative relationships between species richness and temporal variability are common but weak in natural systems
Authors: Houlahan J. E. , Currie D. J. , Cottenie K. , Cumming G. S. , Findlay C. S. , Fuhlendorf S. D. , Legendre P. , Muldavin E. H. , Noble D. , Russell R. , Stevens R. D. , Willis T. J. , Wondzell S. M.
Published: September 2018

Effects of species diversity on population and community stability (or more precisely, the effects of species richness on temporal variability) have been studied for several decades, but there have been no large‐scale tests in natural communities of predictions from theory. We used 91 data sets including plants, fish, small mammals, zooplankton, birds, and insects, to examine the relationship between species richness and temporal variability in populations and communities. Seventy‐eight of 91 data sets showed a negative relationship between species richness and population variability; 46 of these relationships were statistically significant. Only five of the 13 positive richness‐population variability relationships were statistically significant. Similarly, 51 of 91 data sets showed a negative relationship between species richness and community variability; of these, 26 were statistically significant. Seven of the 40 positive richness–community‐variability relationships were statistically significant. We were able to test transferability (i.e., the predictive ability of models for sites that are spatially distinct from sites that were used to build the models) for 69 of 91 data sets; 35 and 31 data sets were transferable at the population and community levels, respectively. Only four were positive at the population level, and two at the community level. We conclude that there is compelling evidence of a negative relationship between species richness and temporal variability for about one‐half of the ecological communities we examined. However, species richness explained relatively little of the variability in population or community abundances and resulted in small improvements in predictive ability.
When Crystals Go Nano – The Role of Advanced X‐ray Total Scattering Methods in Nanotechnology
Authors: Bertolotti Federica , Moscheni Daniele , Guagliardi Antonietta , Masciocchi Norberto
Published: September 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Norberto Masciocchi of the University of Insubria, and collaborator Antonella Guagliardi of the Institute of Crystallography of the National Research Council (CNR), Como, Italy, co‐founders of To.Sca.Lab. The cover image shows the colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals studied by advanced X‐ray Total Scattering methods and reciprocal‐space data analysis.
Holey MoS2 Nanosheets with Photocatalytic Metal Rich Edges by Ambient Electrospray Deposition for Solar Water Disinfection
Authors: Sarkar Depanjan , Mondal Biswajit , Som Anirban , Ravindran Swathy Jakka , Jana Sourav Kanti , Manju C. K. , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: September 2018

A new method for creating nanopores in single‐layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets (NSs) by the electrospray deposition of silver ions on a water suspension of the former is introduced. Electrospray‐deposited silver ions react with the MoS2 NSs at the liquid–air interface, resulting in Ag2S nanoparticles which enter the solution, leaving the NSs with holes of 3–5 nm diameter. Specific reaction with the S of MoS2 NSs leads to Mo‐rich edges. Such Mo‐rich defects are highly efficient for the generation of active oxygen species such as H2O2 under visible light which causes efficient disinfection of water. 105 times higher efficiency in disinfection for the holey MoS2 NSs in comparison to normal MoS2 NSs is shown. Experiments are performed with multiple bacterial strains and a virus strain, demonstrating the utility of the method for practical applications. A conceptual prototype is also presented.
Alterations in intrinsic fronto‐thalamo‐parietal connectivity are associated with cognitive control deficits in psychotic disorders
Authors: Lencer Rebekka , Yao Li , Reilly James L. , Keedy Sarah K. , McDowell Jennifer E. , Keshavan Matcheri S. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Tamminga Carol A. , Gershon Elliot S. , Clementz Brett A. , Lui Su , Sweeney John A.
Published: September 2018

Despite a growing number of reports about alterations in intrinsic/resting brain activity observed in patients with psychotic disorders, their relevance to well‐established cognitive control deficits in this patient group is not well understood. Totally 88 clinically stabilized patients with a psychotic disorder and 50 healthy controls participated in a resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging study (rs‐MRI) and performed an antisaccade task in the laboratory to assess voluntary inhibitory control ability. Deficits on this task are a well‐established biomarker across psychotic disorders as we found in the present patient sample. First, regional cerebral function was evaluated by measuring the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in rs‐MRI BOLD signals. We found reduced ALFF in patients in regions known to be relevant to antisaccade task performance including bilateral frontal eye fields (FEF), supplementary eye fields (SEF) and thalamus. Second, areas with ALFF alterations were used as seed areas in whole‐brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis. Altered FC was observed in a fronto‐thalamo‐parietal network that was associated with inhibition error rate in patients but not in controls. In contrast, faster time to generate a correct antisaccade was associated with FC in FEF and SEF in controls but this effect was not seen in patients. These findings establish a behavioral relevance of resting‐state fMRI findings in psychotic disorders, and extend previous reports of alterations in fronto‐thalamo‐parietal network activation during antisaccade performance seen in task‐based fMRI studies.
Prefrontal gamma oscillations reflect ongoing pain intensity in chronic back pain patients
Authors: May Elisabeth S. , Nickel Moritz M. , Ta Dinh Son , Tiemann Laura , Heitmann Henrik , Voth Isabel , Tölle Thomas R. , Gross Joachim , Ploner Markus
Published: September 2018

Chronic pain is a major health care issue characterized by ongoing pain and a variety of sensory, cognitive, and affective abnormalities. The neural basis of chronic pain is still not completely understood. Previous work has implicated prefrontal brain areas in chronic pain. Furthermore, prefrontal neuronal oscillations at gamma frequencies (60–90 Hz) have been shown to reflect the perceived intensity of longer lasting experimental pain in healthy human participants. In contrast, noxious stimulus intensity has been related to alpha (8–13 Hz) and beta (14–29 Hz) oscillations in sensorimotor areas. However, it is not fully understood how the intensity of ongoing pain as the key symptom of chronic pain is represented in the human brain. Here, we asked 31 chronic back pain patients to continuously rate their ongoing pain while simultaneously recording electroencephalography (EEG). Time–frequency analyses revealed a positive association between ongoing pain intensity and prefrontal beta and gamma oscillations. No association was found between pain and alpha or beta oscillations in sensorimotor areas. These findings indicate that ongoing pain as the key symptom of chronic pain is reflected by neuronal oscillations implicated in the subjective perception of longer lasting pain rather than by neuronal oscillations related to the processing of objective nociceptive input. The findings, thus, support a dissociation of pain intensity from nociceptive processing in chronic back pain patients. Furthermore, although possible confounds by muscle activity have to be taken into account, they might be useful for defining a neurophysiological marker of ongoing pain in the human brain.
“Becoming the man you always wanted to be”: Exploring the representation of health and masculinity in Men's Health magazine
Authors: Lewington Lily , Sebar Bernadette , Lee Jessica
Published: September 2018

Issue addressed

Men's health and lifestyle magazines are a popular medium through which hegemonic ideals of masculinity are displayed, influencing the way men behave and think about health (Crawshaw, 2007, Soc Sci Med, 65, 1606; Stibbe, 2004, Men Masc, 7, 31).

Methods

This study conducted a critical discourse analysis of Australia's most popular men's health and lifestyle magazine, Men's Health, in order to understand how health is presented to men. Six issues were examined, from April 2016 to September 2016.

Results

Three themes supporting hegemonic masculine discourses were revealed: a forged physique, (hetero)sexual prowess and career dominance. A fourth theme, the new man, was also identified revealing a shift in attitudes towards nutrition and style.

Conclusions

Despite this shift in the representation of masculinity, hegemonic ideals remain dominant in the construction of Australian masculinity in this popular men's health and lifestyle magazine.

So what?

This study highlights the utility of Men's Health magazine in promoting health and brings into question whether the current representation of masculinity works towards improving or decreasing the health of Australian men.
Anti‐Flt1 peptide and cyanine‐conjugated gold nanoparticles for the concurrent antiangiogenic and endothelial cell proton treatment
Authors: Seo Seung‐Jun , Lee Se‐Hee , Kim Ki‐Hong , Kim Jong‐Ki
Published: September 2018

Anti‐Flt1 peptide of GNQWFI binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1 or Flt1) and prevents binding of VEGF, inhibiting VEGFR1‐mediated endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Bare gold nanoparticle (AuNP) was known to have anti‐angiogenic properties by specific binding with VEGF. In this study, anti‐Flt1 peptide (GGNQWFI) and cyanine were chemically conjugated to AuNPs (Flt1@AuNP‐cyanine 5.5 or Flt1@AuNP‐hydrocyanine 5.5 [HCy5.5]) to enhance antiangiogenic properties with targeting to VEGFR‐1 as well as producing Coulomb nanoradiator therapeutic effect on the retinal endothelial cells. Anti‐Flt1 AuNP complex showed binding with VEGFR‐1 and showed more protein‐induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE) by various VEGFs compared with bare AuNPs, suggesting enhanced antiangiogenic properties compared to bare AuNP. Nonfluorescent Flt1@AuNP‐HCy5.5 successfully reacted with reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from Fenton reactions or a proton‐induced Coulomb nanoradiator, enabling quenching‐free oxidant fluorescence ROS imaging in HRMECs under oxidative stress. Flt1@AuNP‐HCy5.5 alone induced 50% greater cytotoxicity for HRMECs compared to bare AuNPs and 80% greater cell death by the Au‐nanoradiator effect. In conclusion, this study describes a new therapeutic anti‐Flt1 gold nanocomplex with enhanced antiangiogenic properties and nanoradiator‐mediated cytotoxicity on retinal endothelial cells. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1272–1283, 2019.
COSO's Updated Enterprise Risk Management Framework—A Quest For Depth And Clarity
Authors: Prewett Kyleen , Terry Andy
Published: September 2018

In 2004, COSO published its first comprehensive guidance on enterprise risk management (ERM) ‐ Enterprise Risk Management — Integrated Framework. Then, in June of 2017, COSO released a new, more detailed and complex ERM framework titled Enterprise Risk Management—Integrating with Strategy and Performance. This article examines the relationship between ERM and internal control, and then examines the similarities and differences between the 2004 and 2017 COSO ERM Frameworks. While little is new in the 2017 Framework, its focus on the integration of ERM with strategy‐setting and performance and deeper recognition of the role of governance and culture provides a comprehensive framework and impetus for firms to be intentional about integrating these important concepts.
Spatial variability of soil nutrients in forest areas: A case study from subtropical China
Authors: Dai Wei , Li Yuhuan , Fu Weijun , Jiang Peikun , Zhao Keli , Li Yongfu , Penttinen Petri
Published: September 2018

Soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and pH are important determinants and indicators of soil fertility and quality. Especially in forest, these soil properties are highly variable in space and time. However, more information on these properties in subtropical forests is needed to improve soil nutrients management and to sustain the productivity of subtropical forests. We collected a total of 838 forest topsoil samples (0–30 cm in depth) based on a 4‐km (E‐W) × 6‐km (S‐N) grid system in subtropical China. Geostatistics (i.e., global and local Moran's I) and geographical information system (GIS) techniques were applied to reveal the spatial distribution of N, P, and K contents and pH in subtropical forest soils. All the measured properties were highly variable. Soil N contents ranged from 9.55 mg kg−1 to 862.40 mg kg−1, P contents from 0.10 mg kg−1 to 195.40 mg kg−1, K contents from 10.00 mg kg−1 to 390.00 mg kg−1, and pH values from 2.69 to 8.09. The soil N, P and K contents correlated positively with soil organic carbon (SOC), while soil pH correlated negatively with SOC (P < 0.05). Global Moran's I revealed that soil N, P, and K contents and pH had significant positive spatial autocorrelations, and clear spatial patterns were identified based on local Moran's I. An exponential model was the best fitted model for soil N, P, K contents and pH. Spatial dependence was moderate for all studied soil variables, indicating that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors played a vital role in spatial heterogeneity. Distribution maps showed that soil N and K had similar spatial distribution patterns: a low value area surrounded by bands of higher values. A large‐scale low content area was observed in the spatial distribution map of soil P. An opposite trend was found for the spatial pattern of soil pH. The spatial distribution maps provide useful information for sustainable forest and environment management in subtropical China.
Effects of dietary lysozyme levels on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immunity response and microbiota community of growing pigs
Authors: Zou Lijun , Xiong Xia , Liu Hongnan , Zhou Jian , Liu Yanhong , Yin Yulong
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Lysozyme has been studied as a potential alternative to antibiotics for animals in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary lysozyme on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, immune response and gut health of growing pigs.

RESULTS

A total of 216 growing pigs (19.81 ± 0.47 kg) were fed the diets supplemented with colistin sulfate at 20 mg kg−1 (control), or lysozyme at 50 (L50) or 100 mg kg−1 (L100) diet for 30 days. The results showed that pigs fed with L100 or control had greater average daily gain and gain‐to‐feed ratio than pigs in the L50 group. Pigs fed with L100 or colistin had greater villus height to crypt depth ratio in jejunum compared with pigs in the L50 group. Pigs fed with L100 had greater serum immunoglobulin A and jejunal secretory immunoglobulin A than control and L50, but lower serum total protein and globulin than control. No differences were observed in the messenger RNA expression of genes related to mucosal cytokines, antioxidant capacity, enzyme activity, and barrier functions among three treatments. The caecal microflora evenness was lower in the L100 group than in the control or L50 group by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states analysis predicted that lysozyme may modify nutrient metabolism by changing intestinal microbial function of pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

Pigs supplemented with 100 mg kg−1 lysozyme had similar growth performance and intestinal morphology as pigs fed with colistin. This was likely due to the improved systemic and gut immune responses and the reduced microbiota diversity by feeding 100 mg kg−1 lysozyme. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Foal meat volatile compounds: effect of vacuum ageing on semimembranosus muscle
Authors: Maggiolino Aristide , Lorenzo Josè M , Marino Rosaria , della Malva Antonella , Centoducati Pasquale , De Palo Pasquale
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Cooked meat flavor arises through a combination of thermally generated aroma volatile and nonvolatile compounds in a matrix of muscle fiber, connective tissue, and fat. Ageing could affect meat odor, taste, and flavor by the development of odor compounds in the raw product. The aim of the work is to assess the ageing effect on the volatile compounds profile by solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of foal meat vacuum packaged for storage at 4 °C for a period of 14 days.

RESULTS

Only pentane and 3,7‐dimethylnonane were significantly affected by ageing time (P < 0.01). Octanal and nonanal presented an increasing trend with higher values at 14 ageing days compared with six ageing days (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Ageing poorly affects the volatile compounds production of foal meat. Probably, 14 days is considered to be a short maturation time in vacuum packaging for foal meat. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A review of the use of biostimulants in the vineyard for improved grape and wine quality: effects on prevention of grapevine diseases
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Gamboa Gastón , Romanazzi Gianfranco , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa , Pérez‐Álvarez Eva P
Published: September 2018

Foliar application of biostimulants (including resistance inducers or elicitors) in the vineyard has become an interesting strategy to prevent plant diseases and improve grape quality on the grapevine. This also represents a partial alternative to soil fertilisation, avoiding some of the negative effects to the environment from leaching of nutrients into the groundwater. The foliar applications that most promote the synthesis of secondary metabolites in grape berries are treatments with nitrogen, elicitors, other biostimulants, and waste from the agricultural industry. However, the impact of their use in the vineyard depends on a number of conditions, including mainly the type of compound, application rate, timing and number of applications, and cultivar. This review thus summarises the influence of biostimulants as foliar applications to grapevines on grape amino acids and their phenolic and volatile concentrations, to define the most important factors in their effectiveness. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Display unit using laser scanning device
Authors: Matsuda Takahiro , Onoe Shinsuke , Seo Yoshiho , Ouchi Satoshi
Published: September 2018

We are developing a projector system with scanning fiber device and its control system. Our novel scanning systems of scanning fiber device provide high resolution, uniform brightness, and rectangular display area, which are difficult challenges in conventional scanning fiber device.
Estimating harmful effect of dynamic stray currents on pipeline by simultaneous multiparametric field measurements, continuous wavelet cross‐correlation analysis, and frequency plots
Authors: Mujezinović Adnan , Martinez Sanja , Kekez Krešimir
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the detection method and analysis methodology of dynamic stray current effects on underground pipelines based on simultaneous multiparametric measurements in combination with continuous wavelet cross‐correlation and frequency plots. Measurements presented within this paper were conducted at two locations experiencing tram induced dynamic stray currents, in the first case, on unprotected pipeline and in the second case, on pipeline under cathodic protection. On both pipelines, measurements of pipe‐to‐soil potential, lateral potential gradient, corrosion probe current, and pipeline current were simultaneously done for time period of 20 min. For both locations, the two wavelet cross‐correlation spectrograms for the quantities: lateral potential gradient and probe current versus pipe‐to‐soil potential show that 5% statistical significance levels are in periods between 16 and 128 s. Time spans and period lengths of observed cross‐correlations on spectrograms reflect the stray current influence that may be linked to specific events, such as passing of trams. On the other hand, frequency plots of the measured quantities give clear visual representation of the time that pipeline spends in a certain state related to the possible harmful effect of stray current and also show the degree of cathodic protection beneficial effect.
Electrochemical reduction and re‐oxidation behavior of α, β, and γ‐iron oxy‐hydroxide films on electrodes
Authors: Sugae Kiyonobu , Kamimura Takayuki , Asakura Ryo , Doi Takashi , Miyuki Hideaki , Kudo Takeo
Published: September 2018

To clarify the effect of rust on the corrosion of steel exposed to an atmosphere containing chloride, the electrochemical reduction and re‐oxidation behavior of α, β, and γ‐FeOOH is studied. Films are formed on gold electrodes and are electrochemically reduced at several potentials, thus simulating the corrosion potential under wet and dry conditions. The current flowing through the β‐FeOOH is the highest among the three films. The β‐FeOOH is reduced to Fe3−δO4 at a noble potential of less than −300 mV, relative to a standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) and is reductively dissolved to Fe2+ at a noble potential of less than −100 mV (SHE). The formed Fe3−δO4 is not reformed to β‐FeOOH during re‐oxidation. It is found that the β‐FeOOH plays an important role in the cathodic reaction, acting as an oxidant, and can significantly affect the corrosion of steel in the atmosphere.
Performance evaluation of RF coils integrated with an RF‐penetrable PET insert for simultaneous PET/MRI
Authors: Lee Brian J. , Watkins Ronald D. , Lee Keum Sil , Chang Chen‐Ming , Levin Craig S.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

An “RF‐penetrable” PET insert that allows the MR body coil to be used for RF transmission was developed to make it easier for an existing MR center to achieve simultaneous PET/MRI. This study focuses on experiments and analyses to study PET/RF coil configurations for simultaneous PET/MR studies.

Methods

To investigate the appropriate RF coil design, a transmit/receive (TX/RX) birdcage coil and an RX‐only phased‐array coil (TX from body coil), both fitting inside the PET ring were built and characterized. For MR performance evaluation, B1 field uniformity and MR image SNR were calculated. PET photon attenuation due to each coil was studied by means of CT‐based attenuation maps and reconstructed PET images.

Results

When using the RX‐only phased‐array coil (TX from body coil), compared with the TX/RX birdcage coil, the B1 field uniformity and the MR image (gradient echo and fast spin echo) SNR increased by 2.4±4.8%, 386.1±62.3%, and 205.0±56.5%, respectively. Although some components of the coil were distributed within the PET FOV, no significant PET photon attenuation was shown in the CT‐based attenuation map and reconstructed PET images.

Conclusion

RF coil configurations for an RF‐penetrable PET insert for simultaneous PET/MRI were studied. The RX‐only phased‐array coil (TX from body coil) outperformed the TX/RX birdcage coil with improved MR performance as well as negligible PET photon attenuation.
Efficacy of Eugenol to Lightly Sedate Freshwater Salmonids for an Extended Time Period
Authors: Bowker James D , Trushenski Jesse T , Bowman Molly
Published: September 2018

Lightly sedating fish for purposes such as sorting or loading onto a distribution truck makes fish crowding, netting, and handling easier and minimizes the risk of injury to fish and handler. We conducted three experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of eugenol (AQUI-S 20E, 10% eugenol) to lightly sedate fingerling Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii, and Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha for 5 h in static conditions. Thirty fish were introduced to each tank that contained either freshwater (control, n = 5) or freshwater treated with eugenol (treated, 3 mg/L, n = 10) and assessed the fish in terms of various sedation criteria at 0, 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min and then hourly for four more hours. Fish were considered lightly sedated if three fish per tank could be captured readily by hand and were dispersed throughout the water column. Results from all studies showed that light sedation criteria were met in at least 80% of the treated tanks at all time points except 0 min. After completion of the 5-h assessment period, water exchanges were conducted, normal water flow was restored to the tanks, and fish were monitored for an additional 48 h to evaluate their recovery from light sedation and determine any adverse effects. All fish recovered within 20–30 min and no posttreatment mortality was observed. Our results indicate 3 mg/L eugenol (30 mg/L AQUI-S 20E) is effective for lightly sedating juvenile salmonids for up to 5 h under the conditions tested.
Utilizing random regression models for genomic prediction of a longitudinal trait derived from high‐throughput phenotyping
Authors: Campbell Malachy , Walia Harkamal , Morota Gota
Published: September 2018

The accessibility of high‐throughput phenotyping platforms in both the greenhouse and field, as well as the relatively low cost of unmanned aerial vehicles, has provided researchers with an effective means to characterize large populations throughout the growing season. These longitudinal phenotypes can provide important insight into plant development and responses to the environment. Despite the growing use of these new phenotyping approaches in plant breeding, the use of genomic prediction models for longitudinal phenotypes is limited in major crop species. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of random regression (RR) models using Legendre polynomials for genomic prediction of shoot growth trajectories in rice (Oryza sativa). An estimate of shoot biomass, projected shoot area (PSA), was recorded over a period of 20 days for a panel of 357 diverse rice accessions using an image‐based greenhouse phenotyping platform. A RR that included a fixed second‐order Legendre polynomial, a random second‐order Legendre polynomial for the additive genetic effect, a first‐order Legendre polynomial for the environmental effect, and heterogeneous residual variances was used to model PSA trajectories. The utility of the RR model over a single time point (TP) approach, where PSA is fit at each time point independently, is shown through four prediction scenarios. In the first scenario, the RR and TP approaches were used to predict PSA for a set of lines lacking phenotypic data. The RR approach showed a 11.6% increase in prediction accuracy over the TP approach. Much of this improvement could be attributed to the greater additive genetic variance captured by the RR approach. The remaining scenarios focused forecasting future phenotypes using a subset of early time points for known lines with phenotypic data, as well new lines lacking phenotypic data. In all cases, PSA could be predicted with high accuracy (r: 0.79 to 0.89 and 0.55 to 0.58 for known and unknown lines, respectively). This study provides the first application of RR models for genomic prediction of a longitudinal trait in rice and demonstrates that RR models can be effectively used to improve the accuracy of genomic prediction for complex traits compared to a TP approach.
Design of maleimide monomer for higher level of alternating sequence in radical copolymerization with styrene
Authors: Nishimori Kana , Sawamoto Mitsuo , Ouchi Makoto
Published: September 2018

This work deals with design of maleimide monomer toward more precise control of alternating sequence for radical copolymerization with styrene. Crucial in this study is sequence analysis by MALDI‐TOF‐MS for resultant copolymers that was obtained via ruthenium‐catalyzed living radical copolymerization with a malonate‐based alkyl halide initiator showing selective initiation ability. The copolymers of a simple N‐alkyl maleimide [e.g., N‐ethyl maleimide (EMI)] with styrene gave complicated peak patterns for the MALDI‐TOF‐MS spectra indicating low degree of alternating sequence, in contrary to expectation from the reactivity ratios (almost zero). A simple substitution of methyl group (CH3) of EMI with trifluoromethyl (CF3: CF3‐MI) made the peak patterns much simpler giving the copolymer with higher alternating sequence. More interestingly, the peak interval of the copolymer at earlier polymerization stage was equal to sum of the molecular weights of CF3‐MI and styrene, suggesting possibility of the pair propagation of the monomers. Indeed, 1H NMR analyses of the mixture of maleimide with styrene suggested stronger interaction of CF3‐MI than EMI. Based on the results, maleimide derivatives carrying a substituent‐designable electron‐withdrawing group [ROC(O)N–: R = substituent] were newly designed toward incorporation of functional side chains. They also gave higher alternating sequence for the copolymerization with styrene. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 367–375
Fire and Forget! One‐Shot Synthesis and Characterization of Block‐Like Statistical Terpolymers via Living Anionic Polymerization
Authors: Hutchings Lian R. , Brooks Paul P. , Shaw Peter , Ross‐Gardner Paul
Published: September 2018

Diphenylethylene (DPE) is a monomer which has attracted significant interest from academia and industry both in terms of copolymerization kinetics and for the potential to extend and tune the range of glass transition temperatures accessible for DPE‐containing copolymers. DPE can undergo (co)polymerization with a variety of other monomers by living anionic polymerization but is incapable of forming a homopolymer due to steric hindrance. DPE, being a sterically bulky monomer, results in dramatic increases in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of resulting copolymers, with a perfectly alternating copolymer of styrene and DPE having a Tg of ~180 °C. Herein we report for the first time, the outcome of the statistical terpolymerization of butadiene, styrene, and DPE—a one‐pot, one‐shot, commercially scalable reaction using monomers of wide industrial importance. This extremely facile approach produces copolymers with a block‐like structure, which undergo microphase separation, possess a high Tg glassy “block” and are virtually indistinguishable from analogous block terpolymers made by the traditional sequential addition of monomers approach. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 382–394